Kenya Charts a Course for Green Shipping Leadership
Kenya, home to one of Africa’s most strategically important ports, is well-positioned to take a leadership role in advancing green shipping. With abundant renewable energy resources, the country has the potential to produce green hydrogen and alternative fuels, contributing to sustainable shipping value chains across Africa.
To drive this transition, the ‘National Action Plan (NAP) on Reducing GHG Emissions from Ships and Green Shipping Corridor Workshop’ was held in Mombasa on 5 February 2025. The event, hosted by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), the IMO GreenVoyage2050 Programme and the International PtX Hub, brought together over 50 national stakeholders to refine the policy framework needed to support maritime decarbonization in Kenya.
The workshop featured in-depth discussions on key topics, including unlocking financing for alternative fuel production, upskilling Kenya’s workforce to handle emerging technologies, and exploring opportunities for green shipping corridors. Participants worked to identify concrete actions that will support Kenya’s ambitions to lead the African maritime energy transition.
Astrid Dispert, GreenVoyage2050 Programme Manager at IMO, emphasized the importance of Kenya’s role in this global effort:
‘Kenya’s leadership in green shipping is critical. With its renewable energy potential and strategic position, the country can become a hub for clean fuel production, setting an example for the region and beyond.’
Julius Koech, Acting Director-General at the Kenya Maritime Authority reinforced Kenya’s commitment to maritime sustainability:
‘The maritime industry is at a turning point. As Kenya works to harness its renewable energy resources, we see an incredible opportunity to lead the way in green shipping solutions that will not only benefit our nation but the entire region’.
Michael Mbaru, Deputy Director – Marine Environment Protection at the Kenya Maritime Authority, also highlighted the significance of this initiative: ‘
Through our collaboration with the GreenVoyage2050 Programme, Kenya is advancing its vision for a sustainable maritime sector. The development of a National Action Plan will serve as a roadmap for achieving our decarbonization goals, and we appreciate the support of our partners in shaping this journey.’
Inspiring the Next Generation of Maritime Leaders
As part of its broader efforts to raise awareness and promote careers in sustainable shipping, the IMO GreenVoyage2050 team, in collaboration with KMA and other partners, engaged with students at Allidina Visram High School and Star of the Sea High School in Mombasa.
Advanced-level students were introduced to the world of maritime shipping, exploring career opportunities and the role of sustainability in shaping the industry’s future. Discussions covered global efforts to make shipping safer and cleaner, emphasizing the importance of decarbonization and innovation.
This initiative aligns with GreenVoyage2050’s ongoing commitment to increasing gender diversity in the maritime sector and inspiring young minds – especially young women – to consider careers in maritime and sustainability. The future of green shipping depends on diverse talent, and such engagements are crucial in making these careers more accessible and inclusive.
GreenVoyage2050 Programme
GreenVoyage2050 is a major technical cooperation programme initiated by the IMO to assist developing countries in reducing GHG emissions from shipping, aligning with the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy. Phase I of GreenVoyage2050 (2020-2023) supported partnering countries in developing policy frameworks and pilot projects to reduce GHG emissions from ships. Phase II (2024-2030) continues and expand this support, leveraging substantial funding from donors including Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway.
