The Marshall Islands continues to move forward in its commitment to sustainable maritime transport with the continued support of the German government.
The German Cooperation Agency (GIZ) facilitated a high-level RMI delegation visit to Manila last month led by Minister of Transport Hilton Kendall.
The delegation included Ambassador Albon Ishoda, Presidential Special Envoy for Maritime Affairs, Secretary of Transport Phil Philippo, and General Manager of the Marshall Islands Shipping Corporation Danny Wase. The visit aimed to promote low-carbon sea transport initiatives in collaboration with the German Embassy and the Asian Development Bank.
During the visit, discussions were held with German Ambassador Dr. Andreas Pfaffernoschke, focusing on the partnership between RMI and Germany to advance the Juren Ae prototype ship project. This collaboration is now a cornerstone for expanding the national project across the Micronesian region.
A key milestone in this partnership was the recent handover of RMI’s first low-carbon transport vessel, a significant achievement in the nation’s green shipping initiatives. Additionally, Germany has pledged a €2.5 million ($2.7 million) extension of support, administered through GIZ, to enhance crew training and further develop sustainable maritime infrastructure.
At the GIZ headquarters, the RMI delegation met with GIZ Regional Director Immanuel Gebhardt to discuss strengthening cooperation in low-carbon maritime transport across the Pacific region. The team also gained valuable insights into GIZ’s extensive portfolio of projects in the Philippines and the broader Pacific, spanning a wide range of development areas.
Germany’s long-standing commitment to the Low Carbon Sea Transport Project has been instrumental in positioning RMI as a regional leader in sustainable shipping practices. Looking ahead, RMI plans to build on this partnership at the upcoming Transport and Climate Change Week in Berlin, where further opportunities for collaboration will be explored.
In addition to Germany’s support, potential funding from the Asian Development Bank is expected to expand RMI’s maritime fleet, further advancing the nation’s sustainable development goals. The Ministry of Transport emphasized the importance of strong partnerships with the German Embassy, GIZ, and other Pacific Island nations in driving these initiatives forward.
The Ministry of Transportation extended its appreciation to the Low Carbon Sea Transport Project and GIZ for unwavering efforts in advancing sustainable shipping in the region. With continued collaboration, RMI remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the long-term viability of its maritime sector and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change, said the organization in a release.