Africa Must Chart its Course in Maritime Climate Governance

By Fred Kung’u

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The International Maritime Organization’s historic amendments to MARPOL Annex VI represent a watershed moment in global shipping.

It introduces the world’s first greenhouse gas pricing mechanism and establishing the IMO Net-Zero Framework.

For Africa, these developments present both unprecedented opportunities and stark challenges that demand immediate, coordinated action across the continent.

The amendments are undeniably significant. Ships over 5,000 gross tonnage—responsible for 85% of international shipping emissions—must now comply with progressive fuel intensity standards or purchase remedial units from the new IMO Net Zero Fund.

This creates a dual system where cleaner ships receive financial incentives while polluters pay penalties.

The fund’s revenue will specifically support vulnerable states through technology transfer and capacity building, positioning it as a crucial climate finance mechanism.

However, Africa faces a troubling paradox. While the continent stands to benefit most from this climate finance initiative, it remains largely excluded from participation.

Only seventeen African countries have ratified MARPOL Annex VI, meaning the vast majority cannot vote on the Net Zero Framework’s implementation or access its funding.

This exclusion is particularly concerning given that the framework explicitly aims to support developing states and small island nations—categories that encompass much of Africa.

The urgency cannot be overstated. The extraordinary Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting in October 2025 will determine the framework’s final structure, and only ratifying states can participate.

African nations that fail to act swiftly risk being locked out of decisions that will fundamentally reshape maritime transport for decades to come.

This exclusion would be especially damaging for countries like Kenya, where blue economy ambitions intersect with climate vulnerability and where the Net Zero Fund could support critical infrastructure like shore power systems and alternative fuel production.

The amendments also highlight uncomfortable truths about Africa’s position in global maritime governance.

Countries with strong flag registries and established maritime institutions, such as Liberia and South Africa, are better positioned to capitalize on new opportunities.

Meanwhile, important port states and trade hubs with weaker institutional frameworks risk being overlooked. This disparity threatens to exacerbate existing inequalities and undermine any unified continental response to maritime climate challenges.

Africa’s historically fragmented approach to IMO negotiations has weakened its collective bargaining power.

The continent’s low levels of ship ownership, largely resulting from the displacement of national and regional shipping lines by foreign competitors during the post-independence period, has relegated African states to rule-takers rather than rule-makers. Limited technical expertise further hampers effective participation in complex maritime governance discussions.

Yet within these challenges lies transformative potential. The MARPOL amendments offer Africa a rare opportunity to reposition itself in a sector where it has long been marginalized.

Domestication of the convention should not be viewed merely as legal compliance but as a strategic catalyst for broader transformation.

Maritime authorities must integrate shipping into national climate and economic development plans, while Regional Economic Communities can harmonize standards and the African Union can consolidate continental positions.

The transition toward decarbonised shipping opens pathways for sustainable development that extend far beyond regulatory compliance.

Africa can establish clean energy corridors, develop green ports, and create regional shipping hubs that serve both climate and development objectives.

The continent’s abundant renewable energy resources position it uniquely to produce alternative marine fuels, potentially transforming it from a passive recipient of maritime services to an active supplier of sustainable solutions.

The next round of IMO negotiations will be critical in determining fund governance, distribution mechanisms, and monitoring systems.

African states must strategize to lead rather than follow, ensuring they are decision-makers rather than passive recipients. This requires negotiating simplified access procedures and ensuring revenue redistribution reflects Africa’s developmental priorities and environmental vulnerabilities.

The stakes extend beyond immediate climate finance. These amendments represent the beginning of a broader transformation in maritime governance where climate considerations will increasingly drive regulatory frameworks.

Africa’s response to this initial challenge will establish precedents for its future participation in global maritime decision-making.

The continent stands at a crossroads. Swift ratification of MARPOL Annex VI across Africa, coupled with coordinated regional strategy and institutional strengthening, could position the continent as a leader in sustainable maritime development.

Failure to act decisively risks relegating Africa to perpetually sailing in the wake of others’ decisions and ambitions. The choice is clear: Africa must chart its own course in maritime climate governance or risk being left behind in an increasingly regulated and climate-conscious industry.

The author is a graduate research assistant at the University of Nairobi- Faculty of Law