On March 17th, the Belize Port Authority successfully hosted a Shipping Decarbonization Dialogue, bringing together key stakeholders from the shipping, trade, commerce, climate, and tourism sectors. The dialogue focused on the ongoing IMO Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy negotiations and their implications for Belize and the wider Caribbean.
The workshop convened representatives from government ministries, private shipping companies, the shipping registry, and trade and commerce sectors to collaborate on actionable steps and pilot projects aligned with the IMO GHG Strategy. Notable attendees included Dr. Simon Walmsley and Ms. Kerrlene Wills from the United Nations Foundation.
Acting Ports Commissioner Kaylon Young delivered a comprehensive presentation on Belize’s participation in IMO negotiations, outlining the country’s strategy, policy positions, and the broader Caribbean engagement in the process. Ms. Jaeda Sutherland, Project Officer at the Belize Port Authority, provided an overview of Caribbean shipping lanes, while Dr. Annika Frosch delivered an insightful presentation on the IMO GHG Strategy.
On Tuesday, March 18th, both Dr. Walmsley and Ms. Wills met with Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics, and Mr. Lawrence Thompson, Chairman of the Belize Port Authority, for a high-level briefing on the outcomes of the dialogue and the next steps in Belize’s shipping decarbonization efforts.
This engagement underscores Belize’s commitment to sustainable maritime practices and active participation in global climate discussions.
