The Belize Port Authority (BPA), as Belize’s National Maritime Organization, continues to strengthen its institutional capacity through participation in regional and international maritime training programmes.
From 3–7 August 2026, BPA Port State Control Officer Mr. Russel Lainfiesta participated in a regional seminar on Alternative Fuels and New Technologies for the Safe Operation of Ships, held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
The seminar was delivered by the World Maritime University (WMU), commissioned by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in collaboration with the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre (MTCC) Caribbean, based at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT).
The programme brought together maritime professionals from across the Caribbean to enhance understanding of emerging developments within the maritime sector, including alternative fuels, new technologies, safety considerations, risk management, emergency response, regulatory developments and training requirements.
Participation in regional capacity-building initiatives such as this provides Belize with valuable exposure to evolving international maritime practices and strengthens the knowledge and competencies of personnel responsible for maritime administration, safety and oversight.
For the Belize Port Authority, continued professional development is an important component of maintaining an effective and responsive maritime administration. It allows the organization to remain informed of developments within the global maritime industry, strengthen its technical expertise, support regulatory preparedness and contribute to the continued advancement of Belize’s maritime sector.
Through collaboration with the IMO, WMU, regional maritime institutions and other international partners, the BPA remains committed to continuous learning, capacity development and the promotion of safe, secure and sustainable maritime operations in Belize.