No Men Left Behind: IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 Driving Developing Nations towards a Greener Maritime Future

 The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is leading this charge through its GreenVoyage2050 program—a flagship supporting developing countries to reduce emissions from ships, in line with the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy—and has selected nine nations as 2025 partners…IMO has selected nine nations to receive tailored support under the GreenVoyage2050 initiative in 2025:

Bangladesh, Egypt, Ghana, Mexico, and Nigeria will focus on developing National Action Plans (NAPs) to cut shipping emissions, with training workshops and expert guidance. India, Indonesia, Türkiye, and Vietnam will concentrate on feasibility studies for pilot projects that promote cleaner shipping practices.

While sustainability is a key focus, the shipping industry is also grappling with the unjust treatment and criminalization of seafarers. In a recent high-profile meeting in Athens, leaders from major shipping organizations—chaired by BIMCO President Nikolaus H. Schües—stressed the need to increase awareness of seafarer rights and safety. Discussions also covered the impact of geopolitical tensions on shipping and the role of international regulations in addressing these challenges.

GreenVoyage2050 is IMO’s flagship GHG reduction initiative, launched to help developing countries establish policy frameworks, implement pilot projects, and gain access to green shipping technologies. The program operates in two phases:

Phase 1 (2019-2023): Focused on policy development, legal frameworks, and feasibility studies for energy-efficient maritime solutions.

Phase 2 (2024-2030): Aims to scale up pilot projects, demonstrate new technologies, and establish financial mechanisms to support green shipping initiatives in partner countries.

GreenVoyage2050 is part of IMO’s broader portfolio of GHG reduction initiatives, many of which focus on specific areas such as: Green corridors for zero-emission shipping routes. Funding mechanisms to help developing nations adopt green technologies. Regional action plans tailored to specific maritime challenges.

With Phase 2 now in motion, the next few years will be crucial in scaling up green shipping solutions, ensuring financial accessibility, and promoting a just transition for all nations.

IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 flagship shows a significant step toward a sustainable maritime future, ensuring that even the developing nations are not left behind in the global push for lower emissions. The right policies, funding, and collaborations can help the shipping industry achieve meaningful decarbonization while also prioritizing the rights and welfare of seafarers. As the world moves closer to IMO’s 2023 GHG Strategy goals, the success of these initiatives will determine how quickly and effectively the industry can transition to a greener, more equitable future.