The International Maritime Organisation and the European Union have launched the "Future-Ready Shipping in Africa" project with a EUR5 million (US$5.8 million) pledge from the EU, reported Saint Petersburg's PortNews.

The programme aims to have Africa move toward decarbonization, digitizational and gender balance. It will strengthen maritime governance by aligning national policies with MARPOL Annex VI and IMO climate goals, advance alternative fuel infrastructure through feasibility studies and green corridor projects, improve digitization via Maritime Single Window systems, and upgrade education and training with new curricula and scholarships.

Five Sub-Saharan African countries will be chosen through an Expression of Interest process. Criteria include existing needs assessments, commitment to decarbonization, potential for alternative fuel trade and specific institutional requirements. Regional maritime universities will support long-term capacity-building.

The IMO is a United Nations agency that sets global standards for shipping safety, security and environmental performance through conventions, regulations and technical cooperation among its member states.