Low Carbon Sea Transport

Shipping is the most important economic sector in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which is severely threatened by rising sea levels. The national shipping fleet depends on imported fuels. These are also a major source of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. The project supports the Marshall Islands in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transport costs in domestic maritime transport. Low-emission drive technologies are developed and evaluated technically and economically. This is followed by practical testing, namely the low-emission construction of a new ship for the national fleet and the corresponding training of the ship's crew. The project intends to send out a strong signal for the decarbonisation of sea transport. The accompanying policy advice supports the Government of the Marshall Islands and the Pacific States in representing their interests at the UN climate negotiations and within the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Project data

Countries: Marshall Islands
IKI funding: 17,533,000.00 €
Duration: 06/2017 till 10/2026
Status: open
Implementing organisation: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Political Partner: Ministry of Transport and Communications - Marshall Islands
Implementing Partner: Climate Action Network (CAN)

Hochschule Emden Leer (HEL)

The Pacific Community (SPC)

Waan Aelõñ in Majel (WAM)
Online: https://www.giz.de/en/projects/transitioning-low-carbon-sea-transport

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State of implementation/results

In February 2026, the Republic of the Marshall Islands presented its model for wind-assisted hybrid maritime transport at the Forum of Small Island States on the Implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions in Mauritius, where it met with strong interest in cross-regional cooperation.
In December 2025, the project organised a three-day regional stakeholder workshop in Majuro. Government representatives, shipping companies, training institutions and technical partners analysed the first year of Operation of the SV Juren Ae, assessed energy consumption, maintenance processes and training needs, and agreed on specific measures to scale up low-emission maritime transport in the region.
In October 2025, a model of the Juren Ae was presented at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organisation and honoured as a symbol of a just maritime transition in the Pacific region by the UN (Report here: changing-transport.org/…).
At the Jela Meto Maritime Training Center, the project supported practical training courses, including safety training. Eighteen participants completed a two-month onboard internship to learn international standards in safety, seafaring, and ship handling. The Training Center was further developed, among other things, by strengthening maritime expertise.
At the Micronesian Island Forum 2025, the project presented key findings on the operation of the SV Juren Ae.
In August 2025, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation visited the project and emphasised the role of the Marshall Islands in international CO₂ negotiations.
In July 2025, international experts in Majuro examined the Juren Ae's new sail rig, analysed performance data, and recommended improvements. A trial sail confirmed its good performance in use.
In May 2025, the Marshall Islands and Pohnpei agreed to jointly test a low-emission sailing freighter. This was followed in June by another memorandum of understanding with Korea.
In January 2025, the project took part in the Marshall Islands Socio-Economic Summit to discuss the socio-economic benefits of sustainable shipping.
In November 2024, the project took part in the “Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership” side event at COP29 in Baku, where representatives of the Marshall Islands and other Pacific island states emphasised the importance of sustainable shipping.
From November 25 to 29, 2024, the project presented its results at the 2nd Steering Committee for the Pacific One-Maritime Framework and the 3rd Heads of Maritime Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands. These events underline the regional importance of the project.
In October 2024, the innovative sailing vessel Juren Ae was officially handed over to the government of the Marshall Islands. The ship, which saves up to 80% of CO₂ emissions compared to conventional vessels, is a flagship project for sustainable shipping.
The sailing vessel SV Juren Ae built by the project has been in regular operation since the beginning of September 2024 and cadets are now being continuously trained on board. Findings from the operation of the sailing vessel are shared with other Pacific island states.
In July 2024, written boat building instructions were handed over to the project partner WAM - Canoes of the Marshall Islands. This marks the formal end of the successful collaboration on the small boat component of the project.
In January 2024, a short film was released showing the success of the catamarans developed and built by the project. These small boats are used for fishing and transportation within the Marshallese lagoons.