The IMO CARES Project, through its recent Global Technology Challenge, is advancing decarbonization in maritime ports across Africa and the Caribbean. Four innovative pilot projects were chosen for their potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in ports, targeting renewable energy and optimized port operations to decrease emissions and improve efficiency. These initiatives, funded by the EU under the Global Maritime Technology Centre Network (GMN) Phase II Project, will be implemented in Mauritius, St. Kitts and Nevis, Namibia, and Trinidad and Tobago. Their success will offer scalable models for sustainable maritime practices globally.
A Closer Look at the Four Pilot Projects
- BioH2Energy for Port Louis, Mauritius
In Mauritius, Clean Marine Shipping (CMS) has proposed a groundbreaking project to convert organic waste into renewable energy. Known as BioH2Energy, this 2.4 MW system will process two tonnes of organic waste daily, producing around 100 KW per hour. This project not only provides Port Louis with a sustainable energy source but is expected to lower the port’s carbon emissions by 482 tonnes per year, replacing conventional thermal grid energy with bio-derived hydrogen. It’s an ideal example of circular energy that taps into local resources, diverting waste from landfills while promoting energy independence. - Wind-Powered Microgrid for St. Kitts and Nevis
SYG TECH’s initiative brings an innovative Vertical Axis Wind Turbine to the hurricane-prone Basseterre Deep Water Port. The wind turbine, equipped with a unique storm protection feature, is integrated into a renewable-powered microgrid that promises to cut nearly 46% of the port’s emissions. By utilizing wind energy, the microgrid is expected to deliver 100% carbon neutrality through a mix of wind, solar, and storage systems, representing a huge step toward sustainable operations in a region heavily impacted by extreme weather. - Port Call Optimization in Namibia and Trinidad and Tobago
A joint proposal by BM Bergmann Marine GmbH and Marine Fields Holding Ltd will introduce the PERSEUS port call data-sharing platform at ports in Namibia and Trinidad and Tobago. The PERSEUS system allows port stakeholders to access real-time data, streamlining “Just-In-Time” operations, improving turnaround times, and ultimately reducing GHG emissions. This system is expected to reduce emissions by 10% within the first year of implementation by enhancing operational efficiency and optimizing resource use, setting a benchmark for data-driven sustainability.
The Broader Impact of the IMO CARES Global Technology Challenge
The IMO CARES Challenge was designed to drive low-carbon innovation in the maritime sector, particularly benefiting developing nations and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The projects funded through this challenge represent a diverse range of sustainable technologies—from renewable energy to digital solutions—highlighting the adaptability of green innovations to varying local needs. As these pilot projects progress, they will offer essential insights for scaling similar technologies across other ports worldwide, paving the way for a global maritime decarbonization movement.
VURDHAAN’s Role in Supporting Port Decarbonization
At VURDHAAN, we are dedicated to helping the maritime sector transition to sustainable practices and meet international emission reduction targets. Our expertise spans decarbonization frameworks, including MARPOL, EU MRV, and green port initiatives, enabling ports and maritime companies to align with sustainability standards while maximizing operational efficiency. VURDHAAN provides end-to-end support, from regulatory compliance to tailored implementation strategies, ensuring that our clients can adopt innovative solutions like renewable microgrids and port call optimization with ease.
Our commitment to supporting sustainable maritime practices echoes the transformative goals of the IMO CARES Project, driving eco-friendly progress across ports, reducing emissions, and contributing positively to global climate goals.
Toward a Sustainable Maritime Future
The IMO CARES Project’s Global Technology Challenge is a pioneering step toward decarbonizing the maritime industry. These projects demonstrate how local solutions can have global impacts, fostering a future where ports worldwide operate sustainably and efficiently. Through concerted efforts from the IMO, government bodies, and industry leaders like VURDHAAN, the path toward greener, more sustainable ports is within reach, benefiting local communities and supporting worldwide environmental objectives.