The government of Kenya is aligning with global efforts toward green shipping. Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretar
The government of Kenya is aligning with global efforts toward green shipping. Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho Hassan said the emphasis on alternative fuels, energy-efficient vessel designs, and digital logistics solutions aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy.
Representatives from 33 African countries participated in the conference that was organised by IMO and the Kingdom of Denmark. International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez thanked the Kenyan government for the continued support of the work of IMO in sustainability and decarbonisation in the maritime sector.
Green ports
The commitment to transforming the Mombasa and Lamu ports into green ports is particularly notable. Given that 70% of Kenya’s energy comes from renewable sources, the country has a solid foundation for transitioning successfully. However, as Principal Secretary Geoffrey Kaituko highlighted, heavy investment in green fuels and related infrastructure will be necessary.
Kenya’s proactive stance ensures it will not be left behind as the global shipping industry moves toward decarbonization. The conference’s emphasis on collaboration, technology transfer, and climate financing is crucial in supporting Africa’s role in the green transition.
“By doing so, we can create green jobs, attract investments, and build resilient economies while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change. We are here to explore innovative policies, investments, and technologies that will accelerate the transition to low-carbon and zero-emission shipping,” said CS Joho.
“This provides an opportunity to increase governance in the maritime domain and provide new jobs for sure seafarers who are going through these transitions into decarbonising shipping and to make it a more sustainable, greener, and safer industry,” said IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez.