Colombia advances next phase of maritime decarbonization planning
Colombia is accelerating efforts to decarbonize its maritime sector, with national stakeholders convening last week to identify concrete actions across shipping, ports and energy to support the country’s transition to low- and zero-carbon operations.
The workshop, jointly hosted by Colombia’s maritime authority, Dirección General Marítima (DIMAR), the International Maritime Organization’s GreenVoyage2050 Programme, and MTCC Latin America, brought together representatives from government, industry, ports, energy and academia to align priorities and define practical pathways forward to inform and shape the country’s NAP.
Discussions highlighted the need for an enabling regulatory environment to support alternative fuels and improve energy efficiency, using flexible, data-driven approaches for both international and domestic shipping. Participants also stressed stronger cross-sector coordination, targeted capacity-building, and the importance of greener ports through electrification, aligned with energy sector planning. Scaling up fuels such as biofuels and green hydrogen, supported by a clear roadmap and targeted incentives, was identified as key to accelerating the transition and positioning Colombia in emerging clean fuel markets.
DIMAR Director General, Admiral John Fabio Giraldo, highlighted Colombia’s proactive approach:
“Colombia is taking a structured and coordinated approach to maritime decarbonization, led by the Maritime Authority. Through the development of a National Action Plan, we are aligning institutions, strengthening technical capacity and preparing our maritime sector to meet future global standards.”
Subaskar Sitsabeshan, Programme Officer at the IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 Programme, emphasized the importance of aligning policy with investment:
“Colombia is uniquely positioned to link its renewable energy ambitions, with maritime decarbonization. By taking a holistic approach, covering domestic shipping, ports and international corridors, the country can unlock both climate and economic benefits.”
Ervin Vargas Wilson, Technical Director representing MTCC Latin America, underlined the value of regional collaboration:
“This joint effort reflects the importance of partnerships in accelerating maritime decarbonization. By sharing knowledge, building capacity and aligning regional priorities, we can support countries like Colombia in translating ambition into tangible action.”
Looking ahead, Colombia will continue with targeted stakeholder consultations and begin work on a comprehensive baseline assessment to better understand emissions profiles, infrastructure gaps and priority actions for its National Action Plan.
Beyond the technical discussions, the GreenVoyage2050 team also engaged with young students, delivering a session at Colegio Instituto Técnico Industrial Francisco José de Caldas IED in Bogotá. Around 70 students participated in an interactive discussion on maritime careers, the global energy transition and emerging opportunities in green shipping. The session highlighted the growing demand for skills in areas such as alternative fuels, port operations and environmental management, encouraging students to consider future careers in a rapidly evolving maritime sector.
GreenVoyage2050 Programme
GreenVoyage2050 is a major technical cooperation programme established by the International Maritime Organization to support developing countries in implementing the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy.
Phase I (2020–2023) supported partner countries in developing policy frameworks and pilot projects aimed at reducing emissions from ships. Phase II (2024–2030) builds on this foundation, expanding technical assistance and leveraging funding from the Governments of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway to accelerate maritime decarbonization efforts worldwide.
