CARIBBEAN SHIPPING LANES
Welcome to Caribbean Shipping Lanes, the SRC’s dedicated page on shipping, climate change, and trade. Here, you will find vital resources aimed at supporting Caribbean nations in navigating global shipping regulations and advancing climate resilience.
In partnership with the United Nations Foundation and the Belize Port Authority the SRC provides comprehensive support to Caribbean negotiators in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction negotiations. This project adds to the work of regional entities, including the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre Caribbean (MTCC-Caribbean), the Caribbean’s leading research institution on shipping issues, advancing sustainable practices and GHG reduction efforts.
About the Project
As the world grapples with reducing GHG emissions, the IMO plays a pivotal role in setting standards for the shipping industry. For Caribbean states, whose economies depend heavily on maritime trade, these negotiations hold significant importance, as they impact regional trade, economic stability, and climate resilience.
This project, housed in the SRC and led by Dr. Jan Yves Remy and Professor Troy Lorde of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus, is designed to ensure that Caribbean nations are fully equipped to participate meaningfully in IMO negotiations. With the support of fellows Nafesha Richardson and Tianna Blades, the initiative provides vital knowledge, training, and advocacy tools, empowering Caribbean countries to make their voices heard on the global stage. The project focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by the region, ensuring that the outcomes of IMO negotiations reflect and protect the Caribbean’s maritime interests and promote sustainable development in the face of climate change.
Trade, Shipping and Climate Change - Facts and Figures
1%
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) account for less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions
2022
In 2022, CARICOM exported $43.7B (0.18% of global exports) and imported $47.1B (0.2% of global imports)
2.89%
The shipping industry is responsible for approximately 2.89% of GHG emissions, according to the IMO.
2050
The 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships aims to peak GHG emissions from international shipping as soon as possible and to reach net-zero GHG emissions by or around, i.e. close to, 2050
Caribbean Shipping Lanes Webinars
The SRC is excited to offer a series of webinars designed to foster ongoing discussion and provide updates on the latest developments in IMO GHG negotiations. These webinars will bring together experts from the global maritime industry, climate policy, and Caribbean governance to discuss key issues such as the economic impacts of GHG regulations on small island states, strategies for compliance with international standards, and opportunities for collaboration.
We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming “Caribbean Shipping Lanes” Lunch Time Chat on “Decarbonising Shipping: CARICOM in IMO Climate Negotiations”.
The webinar, which will take place on Tuesday, 17th September, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. EST, will be moderated by Dr. Jan Yves Remy and feature remarks from Kerrlene Wills, Vivian Rambarath-Parasram, Ambassador Jerry Enoe, and Bertrand Smith.
Join us as we explore the future of Caribbean maritime interest and navigate the ongoing IMO discussion on GHG emissions from the global shipping industry.
To register, please click here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sS76sEGhQWO9DIM0PXk-vw
Caribbean Shipping Lanes Blogs
The Caribbean Shipping Lanes blog is a regular publication which explores shipping, trade, and climate change in the Caribbean. Through our own contributions and those of guest authors, we offer crucial insights into the latest developments in maritime regulations, regional trade trends, and strategies to address climate challenges affecting the Caribbean's essential shipping routesThe Caribbean Shipping Lanes blog is a regular publication which explores shipping, trade, and climate change in the Caribbean. Through our own contributions and those of guest authors, we offer crucial insights into the latest developments in maritime regulations, regional trade trends, and strategies to address climate challenges affecting the Caribbean's essential shipping routes
Our first edition is coming soon!
SRC IMO-Related Training and Workshops
Regional Workshop on the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy in Belize
Over the past year, the Belize Port Authority, supported by international and regional partners, has led the Caribbean in crucial shipping decarbonisation negotiations at the IMO. In March 2024, Caribbean delegations met with representatives from the Kingdom of the Netherlands to address the impact of mid-term measures on small island developing states (SIDS). This collaboration resulted in a workshop held in Belize City from July 10–11, 2024, gathering 85 participants from 18 member states and territories. The workshop focused on implementing and reviewing short-term measures, developing mid-term strategies, and addressing the unique challenges faced by Caribbean maritime sectors. The workshop underscored the critical role of Caribbean institutions and the importance of ongoing regional collaboration to achieve sustainable maritime decarbonisation.
More information about the workshop is available here.
Strategic Training on IMO Climate Change-Related Negotiations for CARICOM Maritime Officials
Shipping is vital to the Caribbean region's economic stability and development, making it imperative for Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states to play a crucial role in IMO GHG reduction negotiations to ensure sustainable and equitable growth. Through the collaborative efforts of the SRC, the University College London (UCL) Energy Institute, the United Nations (UN) Foundation and the Belize Port Authority (BPA), a virtual strategic training session for maritime officials from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) engaged in climate-related negotiations at the IMO was convened from the 22-26 July 2024. This training provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the IMO and its role in addressing climate change, particularly in the context of the shipping industry.
More information about the training is available here.
Important IMO-Related Documents, Submissions and Publications
2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emission
Caribbean-Related Submissions
ISWG Submissions
Date
Reference
Submission Title
Submitted by
25 January 2024
ISWG-GHG 16/2/3
FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF CANDIDATE MID-TERM MEASURE(S) IN THE CONTEXT OF PHASE III OF THE WORK PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MID- AND LONG-TERM MEASURES
Bahamas, Liberia and ICS
26 January 2024
ISWG-GHG 16/2/6
FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF CANDIDATE MID-TERM MEASURE(S) IN THE CONTEXT OF PHASE III OF THE WORK PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MID- AND LONG-TERM MEASURES
Belize, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu
9 August 2024
ISWG 17/2/18
FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF CANDIDATE MID-TERM MEASURE(S)
Position Paper on the mid-term measures and impacts on the Caribbean Region
Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica and Saint Lucia
MEPC Submissions
Date
Reference
Submission Title
Submitted by
26 July 2024
MEPC 82/INF.48
Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago
Other Important Documents and Resources
Important IMO-Related Documents, Submissions and Publications
2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emission
Caribbean-Related Submissions
ISWG Submissions
25 January 2024
ISWG-GHG 16/2/3
FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF CANDIDATE MID-TERM MEASURE(S) IN THE CONTEXT OF PHASE III OF THE WORK PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MID- AND LONG-TERM MEASURES
Bahamas, Liberia and ICS
26 January 2024
ISWG-GHG 16/2/6
FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF CANDIDATE MID-TERM MEASURE(S) IN THE CONTEXT OF PHASE III OF THE WORK PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MID- AND LONG-TERM MEASURES
Belize, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu
9 August 2024
ISWG 17/2/18
FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF CANDIDATE MID-TERM MEASURE(S)
Position Paper on the mid-term measures and impacts on the Caribbean Region
Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica and Saint Lucia
MEPC Submissions
26 July 2024
MEPC 82/INF.48
Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago