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 and 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. A new ship will be built for the national fleet, using low-emission technologies. The ship’s crew will receive the necessary training. The project intends to send out a strong signal for the decarbonization of sea transport. The Government of the Marshall Islands and the Pacific States are supported by helping them to represent their interests and those of the region at the UN climate negotiations and within the International Maritime Organization.

Project data

Countries: Marshall Islands
IKI funding: 17,533,000.00 €
Duration: 06/2017 till 08/2026
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/worldwide/59626.html

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State of implementation/results

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.
At the Micronesian Island Forum 2025, the project presented key findings on the Juren Ae.
In August 2025, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization visited the project and emphasized 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, analyzed 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 emphasized 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.
Since July 2024 the sailing vessel SV Juren Ae built by the project has been in operation in the Marshall Islands. Calculations show that up to 80% of CO2 emissions can be saved compared to conventional ships of this size. The ship 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 May 2024, the project presented the results of bilateral cooperation on the domestic shipping sector at the Marshall Islands' National Climate Week.
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.
During the UNFCCC Climate COP 28 in Dubai, the project organized a side event at the SPREP Moana Pacific Pavilion, which drew attention to the need to promote innovative maritime solutions.
In October 2023, the project took part in the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership Conference, where Marshallese expertise in promoting sustainable maritime transport solutions for the Pacific and globally was contributed.
In June 2023, an IMO capacity training was facilitated for representatives of several Pacific Island nations, providing maritime expertise.
In May 2023 the keel laying ceremony of the innovative new ship took place in South Korea (www.hellenicshippingnews.com/…).
In February 2023, the newly constructed maritime training center was handed over to the partner Marshall Islands Shipping Corporation.