The IMO-Republic of Korea Sustainable Maritime Transport Core Training Programme (GHG-SMART) was held online from 6 to 10 March 2023.
The online, core training is the first key event under the annual programme, which supports the implementation of the IMO GHG Strategy by individual, custom-made support to SIDS and LDCs participants, by the following:
- Core Training (online) covering key topics related to the implementation of the IMO GHG Strategy, with specific focus on the needs of SIDS and LDCs;
- Development of individual Trainee Structured Training Plan (TSTPs);
- Support of implementation of TSTPs;
- Practical Training in Busan, Republic of Korea
- Opportunity to submit applications to WMU relevant scholarship (with annual 1-1 participant awarded, following 50-50% gender equality).
The online, core training provided detailed information on main elements related to implementation of the IMO GHG Strategy, including:
Module 1 – International regulatory framework
Module 2 – Global Efforts, IMO GHG Strategy and related MARPOL Annex VI Regulations
Module 3 – Development of NAP and awareness on Impact Assessment
Module 4 – Shipping and Ports Decarbonization
Module 5 – Shipping and Ports Alternative Fuels
Module 6 – Introduction to Climate Finance and Maritime Decarbonisation
The group of trainers and speakers included: subject matter experts Dr. Zabi Bazari, Capt. Sukhjit Singh, Dr. Han-Seon Park, Ms. Sanjam Gupta, heads/representatives from the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres (MTCCs) from Africa, Asia, Caribbean and Latin America Ms. Lydia Muthoni Ngugi, Mr. Stephan Nanan, Mr. Wei Ruan, Eng. Ervin Vargas Wilson, Eng. Javier Diaz, as well as technical officers from the IMO Marine Environment Division (MED) and a representative from the World Bank Mr. Andrew Losos.
The online training was attended by 24 participants from 15 countries (Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Guyana, Uganda, Belize, Cook Islands, Burkina Faso, Antigua and Barbuda, Somalia, Togo, St. Kitts and Nevis, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Tonga, Yemen) from the African, Caribbean, Latin America, Pacific and Western Asia regions.
Participants came from a range of different stakeholders, including policy makers, public authorities and industry (shipping, ports and ship building).
There is also a link provided between annual training programme participants, some of the first year’s trainees (2022 GHG SMART Training Programme) volunteered to share their experience and provide input into this year’s training programme, including on their own TSTPs and progress they have achieved since completing the programme.
In addition, the field (practical) training held every year in person, takes place in the second half of the year in the Republic of Korea. This includes visits to the technology development and demonstration sites and major infrastructure facilities that support GHG reduction and energy efficiency.
This year’s field training is scheduled to take place in Busan, Republic of Korea, in the second half of the year (September 2023, TBC) hosted by Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA).
The planned in person practical training is foreseen to follow a similar structure (unless individual needs of participants suggest otherwise) as the practical training of 2022, which programme, including practical guide provided by host, KOMSA: