Global MTCC Network Global Event held at the World Maritime University

The GMN Global Event, hosted at the World Maritime University from 6 to 8 May 2026, brought together Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres (MTCCs), pilot countries, global stakeholders and academia to strengthen collaboration under GMN Phase II in support of the IMO 2023 GHG Strategy.
The workshop reviewed progress, strengthened strategic alignment and advanced coordination on implementation. Through technical discussions, strategic dialogue and academic exchange, participants reaffirmed a shared commitment to accelerating maritime decarbonisation through regional cooperation, practical implementation and alignment with evolving IMO regulations. Discussions highlighted that solutions already exist and are being actively deployed, particularly through capacity building, technology transfer and public-private partnerships.

A key focus was multi-stakeholder collaboration, including MTCC coordination, Regional Industry Alliances, academia and public-private engagement to scale impact and share knowledge. During The GMN Experience – Overview and Regional Perspectives session, MTCCs highlighted that maritime decarbonisation is both urgent and achievable, with priorities across regions centred on green shipping solutions, stronger regional cooperation, knowledge sharing and the empowerment of women. The Role of Industry Alliances and Coalitions session further underlined the importance of coordinated partnerships in supporting implementation, policy development and stakeholder collaboration.

Participants also assessed enabling frameworks and regulatory developments supporting decarbonisation. The Updates from the IMO session provided information on developments related to GHG fuel intensity, sustainable fuel certification and wind propulsion systems, as well as outcomes from MEPC 84 and ISWG-GHG 21. Discussions on Financing Maritime Decarbonisation emphasised the importance of linking regional actions with global frameworks, improving data for impact assessments and mobilising investment through public-private partnerships.

Inclusive maritime decarbonisation also remained a central theme, with discussions emphasising the importance of skills development, training and gender-responsive approaches to ensure a just transition. Sessions Integrating SDG 5 into Maritime Decarbonisation and Skills, Training, and the Future Workforce highlighted the need to strengthen training institutions through targeted actions, expand access to education and align workforce development with emerging technologies and alternative fuels.

A highlight of the workshop was the breakout group discussions on the GMN Roadmap, which generated concrete inputs on future strategic priorities. Participants identified the need for stronger collaboration, enhanced capacity building and improved access to sustainable financing, while also noting challenges including institutional fragmentation, limits to coordination as well as geopolitical and regulatory uncertainties.

GMN Phase II supports developing countries, in particular Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), through technical cooperation, capacity building and pilot demonstrations to advance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from maritime transport.