Germany and the Marshall Islands concluded nine years of cooperation on low-carbon sea transport with a dinner and ceremony last Thursday at RRE’s Jokutak area.
Officials with the project said the Low Carbon Sea Transport project leaves practical experience in low-emission vessels, maritime training, and policy development to inform future Pacific action.
The German-supported Low Carbon Sea Transport (LCST) project is concluding after almost nine years of cooperation with the RMI to explore practical ways to reduce emissions from maritime transport while maintaining essential connections between the country’s islands.
Launched in 2017, the project worked with national institutions and local partners on several aspects of maritime decarbonization. Its activities included the development of low-emission canoes and catamarans with Waan Aelõñ in Majel, support for maritime education and training, policy development, and the development and operation of the wind-assisted cargo vessel SV Juren Ae.
The project recognized that maritime transport is fundamental to life in the Marshall Islands, connecting communities with food, essential goods, education, healthcare and economic opportunities. Its approach combined technical solutions with efforts to strengthen local skills, institutional capacity and the policy environment needed to support a longer-term transition.
The experience gained also highlighted challenges associated with operating and maintaining low-carbon technologies in remote island settings, including the importance of technical expertise, maintenance arrangements, spare parts and long-term operational planning.
The official closing event in Majuro brought together project partners to recognize their contributions, reflect on the results and share lessons for future initiatives. The occasion also marked publication of Across the Atolls, a closing booklet documenting the project’s journey through photographs, milestones, partner contributions and reflections on its legacy.
Although the bilateral project is concluding, the wider work towards maritime decarbonization continues. The Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership provides a regional platform for countries to coordinate action and share experience. Lessons from LCST, including those generated through the Juren Ae, may contribute to regional learning and the development of future maritime solutions.