The International Maritime Organization (IMO) hosted a regional workshop on Maritime GHG Emissions Data and National Action Plans in Bangkok earlier this month.
The workshop provided practical tools and guidance to help address ongoing challenges in emissions data systems, national policy planning, and access to green financing across the region.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to shift from ambition to action in advancing maritime decarbonisation.
The regional inception workshop was co-organised by IMO and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) under the SMART-C GHG Project with funding from the Republic of Korea.
30 participants from ASEAN countries benefited from hands-on discussions on the IMO Data Collection System, seafarer training strategies, and policy frameworks for the development of national action plans (NAPs).
The workshop featured contributions from technical experts from IMO, ESCAP, the World Maritime University (WMU), the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre in Asia (MTCC Asia), and multilateral development banks.
Country presentations highlighted real-world progress and challenges in national policies, including data system development. A case study from Singapore offered a replicable example of a long-term national decarbonisation strategy.
A final panel examined how multilateral development banks can facilitate financing for green maritime infrastructure and capacity development in the region.
The workshop concluded with practical recommendations for national and regional follow-up, including continued peer-to-peer learning, enhanced donor coordination, and alignment of financial resources with national climate goals. These outcomes will feed directly into SMART-C’s ongoing technical assistance and guide countries on their path toward a low-carbon maritime future.
Countries that participated in the event include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Roel Hoenders, Head of Climate Action and Clean Air at IMO, acknowledged: “This workshop is a timely step towards turning the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy into practical national action.
“Robust data systems are critical for monitoring emissions and shaping effective policies, while capacity building ensures countries can adopt low- and zero-carbon technologies safely and efficiently. IMO remains committed to supporting its Member States through technical assistance and collaboration under initiatives like SMART-C, to drive an inclusive transition to greener shipping.”
Last month, the Council and European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement to sharpen and expand the mandate of the European Maritime Safety Agency, strengthening its role in ensuring maritime safety and sustainability.