EVENT HELD ON JULY 15 AND 16, 2024
The MTCC Latin America and the International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP) carried out the First Regional Workshop: “The Role of the Banking Sector towards the Decarbonization of the Maritime Sector – Challenges and Opportunities in Latin America”, on July 15 and 16 of 2024.
The Regional Workshop aimed to delve into the pivotal role of the banking sector in steering the maritime industry towards decarbonization. With the global push towards sustainability and environmental responsibility, it in turn explored the challenges and opportunities associated with the maritime sector's transition to a low-carbon and environmentally friendly future.
Objectives of the Regional Workshop:
•Understand the carbon footprint of the maritime industry
•Analyze the regulatory frameworks of maritime transport
•Evaluate the role of banking institutions in financing sustainable practices
•Promote innovation and technology in maritime decarbonization
•Shape sustainable investment strategies
•Promote collaboration and the creation of regional strategic alliances
This event was aimed at the Latin America Regional banking sector to address the main regulations related to the decarbonization of maritime transport and issues related to the sustainable development of the maritime industry, in support of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Strategy 2023 for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships. It also aimed to highlight the important role of the banking sector in supporting decarbonization efforts by financing green technologies and alternative fuels, so that the banking sector becomes a catalyst and promoter for companies that are aligned with decarbonization solutions.
The event was composed of high-level presentations and panel discussions over two days, providing updates, perspectives and interesting debates from key national and international maritime and banking players and other stakeholders that are involved in the process of maritime decarbonization.
Participants shared knowledge, experiences, and meet with Maritime and Banking industry counterparts to explore funding opportunities for sustainable projects involving women leaders and the entire banking sector to learn more about the maritime industry. This Workshop is part of IMO's long-term strategy on resources mobilization for national and regional technical cooperation and capacity building activities.
In an era marked by environmental awareness and global sustainability goals, the maritime industry faces a crucial moment in addressing its environmental impact. Therefore, this is a comprehensive workshop designed to explore and discuss the crucial role the banking sector plays in facilitating the maritime industry's transition to a safer, more efficient, sustainable and decarbonised future.
EVENT HELD ON JANUARY 15 TO 18, 2024
The MTCC Latin America and the MTCC Caribbean, within the framework of the TEST Biofouling Project of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), carried out the Regional Workshop: “Introduction to Marine Biofouling: Impacts and Risk Management”, held virtually from January 15 to 18 from 10:00 to 13:00 (UTC-5) with the support of Argentina, Chile and Panama.
The training course aimed to provide comprehensive knowledge on Marine Biofouling, solutions on how to reduce the spread of invasive aquatic species and technologies available to reduce impacts on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the industry. maritime.
This training was aimed at a wide range of participants, including representatives of maritime industries (shipping, aquaculture, fisheries, offshore oil and gas and mining, etc.), relevant government administrations (ministries of transport, environment, maritime ministries and ports). authorities, fisheries, coast guard, etc.) and environmental NGOs.
Looking Forward to continuing working together to promote safer, more efficient and sustainable maritime transport in our regions with the active participation of all parties involved.
EVENT HELD ON FEBRUARY 22, 2024
The MTCC Latin America and the International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP) are proud to share the achievements achieved in our recent Webinar titled: “Challenges of Cybersecurity in the Maritime Sector in Latin America, an event developed together with Martin Rousseaux from Argentina.
This event attracted the attention of professionals, students, and experts from across the region, where critical issues related to rules and regulations in maritime cybersecurity were addressed, as well as the implementation of security processes on board and in companies.
For three hours, leading experts in the area offered their valuable perspective on the challenges and solutions in cybersecurity. Additionally, we delve into the application of cybersecurity in the TMSA (Tanker Management and Self-Assessment), a crucial audit for tankers. With more than 600 registrants from different countries, this webinar became an invaluable space for exchange and learning for the maritime industry.
We will continue to work together with all the key actors in our Latin American region, establishing strategic alliances in the industry such as the Regional Reference Center in Education, Training, Technology, Innovation and Development, Technical Cooperation, promoting decarbonized, safe, efficient, and sustainable shipping.
Thursday, 28 September 2023
The IMO-UNEP-Norway Innovation Forum is a hybrid (live in person at the IMO Headquarters in London and virtual) global platform aimed at championing innovation to accelerate the transition of the marine sector towards a zero- and low-emission future. The 3rd edition was held on 28 September 2023 and focussed on addressing the specific needs of developing countries, especially Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). where the MTCCs including the MTCC Latin America and the International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP) as host institution were part of the Steering Committee of the event.
The event is supported by the Government of Norway, the IMO Secretariat and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in order to promote innovation by providing a global platform to exchange best practices and fill necessary gaps by gathering ideas and latest developments from all competent international policymakers.
The aim of the Innovation Forum is to:
Showcase the demonstration of green technologies and their deployment globally in a manner that facilitates blue economic growth in developing regions;
Hold discussions and generate a debate around new ways of financing sustainable maritime transport;
Bring industry stakeholders, academia and global research centers together to offer inclusive solutions for maritime decarbonization for trials along specific shipping routes in the Asia-Pacific region.
Focus areas:
Addressing research, technology and infrastructure needs of developing countries, especially LDCs and SIDS as well as research and partnerships needs for developing innovative GHG technologies and financial needs for their piloting, distribution/entering of the market particularly in developing countries;
Decarbonizing the Maritime Sector: Innovative approach to bridging the Global North-South Gap;
The role of ports in ensuring comprehensive environmental protection from shipping activities;
Development of Smart Technology to Support the Collection and Management of Marine Debris;
New and emerging models of financing, and how these can be leveraged to fund decarbonization efforts in the maritime sector.
For more information, please visit IMO website.
June 27, 2023, from 09:00-10:00 (UTC-5:00 Panama Local Time)
The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), together with the International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP), through the Maritime Technology Cooperation Center for Latin America (MTCC Latin America) presented the Webinar 15 + 15, with the in-depth debate on a transcendental issue for the sustainability of the maritime sector such as: "Regulations: CII, EEXI and SEEMP, their impact on the Decarbonization of Maritime Transport in Latin America”
The event was held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, from 09:00-10:00 (UTC-5:00 Panama Local Time), through the virtual platforms of the organizers, where the objectives of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to reduce CO2 emissions from ships, with a decrease of 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050, compared to 2008 levels. Also, as the IMO has set targets for annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping, stipulating a 50% reduction by 2050.
The Webinar had the participation of Engineer Ervin Vargas Wilson and Engineer Martín Rousseaux, from MTCC-Latin America, who presented the following topics:
IMO Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Strategy
Technical Measures:
EEXI – Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index
EEXI – Calculation
Operational Measures:
CII – Carbon Intensity Indicator
SEEMP – New requirements for the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan
To watch the full video, click on the following link: https://www.bimco.org/insights-and-information/video-library
June 26, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (UTC-5)
The International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP), through the MTCC Latin America, delivered the Conference in commemoration of the International Day of Seafarers: "Essential Workers for the Protection of the Marine Environment by MARPOL", on the 26th of June 2023, from 10:00 a.m. (Local Panama Time), at the UMIP Auditorium, Building 1033 and through the Teams platform.
In this year 2023, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) focused its campaign on the contribution of Seafarers to the protection of the marine environment, which is in line with the world maritime theme 2023, 50 Years of MARPOL: our commitment goes on.
Seafarers are essential workers in the protection of the marine environment, so that maritime transport is increasingly safe, efficient, and sustainable. In recognition of this great job, the International Maritime University of Panama and the MTCC-Latin America held the Conference titled: "Essential Workers for the Protection of the Marine Environment by hand of MARPOL".
The event was attended by more than two hundred (200) participants in person and more than one hundred fifty (150) virtually, including industry specialists, technicians, service providers, members of the academic community, as well as representatives of the Maritime Administrations of the Latin American region, who were able to share opinions and experiences with the speakers on the topics covered:
“The Role of Seafarers guaranteeing a safe transit”
"Challenges and Opportunities for Women as Seafarers in the Protection of the Marine Environment"
“Essential Workers on Board – MARPOL – The Legacy Continues”
"Seafarers in Maritime Research - Dashboard Presentation: Statistical Indicators of Sustainability and Maritime Efficiency of Panama"
#DayoftheSeafarer 2023 #OceansWorthProtecting #keyworkerers #SeafarerJourney
On May 18, 2023, The International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP), through the MTCC-Latin America and the Faculty of Nautical Sciences presented the Conference to commemorate International Women's Day in the Maritime Sector: "Bridging Gaps towards Gender Equality in the Maritime”, the event was held from 10:00 a.m. (Panama Local Time), UMIP Auditorium, Building 1033 and through the Teams platform.
Every May 18 from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Day of Women in the Maritime Sector is celebrated, to continuously promote the hiring, permanence, and sustained employment of women in the maritime sector, with the objective Development Goal 5 (gender equality) and support work to address the current gender imbalance in the maritime sector.
The event was attended by more than 200 participants in person and 100 participants virtually where our national and international Speakers presented and discussed their experiences within the women in maritime sector with the following topics:
“The Role of Women in Maritime Administrations”
“Woman Perspective as a Marine Engineer in the Maritime”
“The Piloting of Women in the Panama Canal – Safe Transit”
"Importance of the Maritime Training of Women as Seafarers"
“The Journey of Women in Maritime Research- point of view as Seafarers”
Thank you very much to all the Women in the Maritime Sector where we are increasingly narrowing the gap towards equality!
IMO in partnership with MTCC Latin America co-hosted a side event during the Our Ocean Conference in Panama City (2 March). Its theme was "Supporting Blue Economies through Sustainable Maritime Transport (BE SMART): Building Global Partnerships to address Climate Change and Marine Pollution through IMO's Voyage Together Initiative".
The event highlighted the role of international shipping in supporting blue economy development and, in addressing challenges related to global climate change, biodiversity protection and marine pollution. It provided an overview of IMO's partnerships efforts through its Voyage Together Initiative and long-term technical cooperation projects on Maritime Decarbonization and Ocean Conservation, including the Global Maritime Technology Centre Network (GMN), GreenVoyage2050, GloFouling Partnerships and GloLitter Partnerships.
Opening the side event, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Director of IMO's Marine Environment Division, called for everyone to work together towards a sustainable and prosperous ocean economy and to ensure no one is left behind.
"Protecting our oceans is essential to ensuring a sustainable future for our planet. IMO's work in regulating shipping, promoting decarbonisation and driving sustainable ocean conservation, is critical", he said.
The side event was attended by several high-level policy makers from around the world including Ms. Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Norwegian Minister of International Development. In a keynote speech she said she was encouraged by IMO’s scaling up of its environmental partnership programmes to support developing countries.
“This is important to ensure the needed results in global climate action and environmental protection. It is also important to develop a sustainable ocean economy in developing countries”, she stated.
Also discussed during the event were technological and regulatory challenges facing Maritime Technologies Cooperation Centres (MTCCs) in Latin America and the Caribbean; and other long term IMO projects including GreenVoyage2050 implementation in Belize; GloFouling; and GHG SMART.
A virtual workshop on maritime decarbonization and Research and Development (R&D) in Latin America and globally was held in Panama (9 February). The workshop was organized by the IMO Coordinated Actions to Reduce Emissions from Shipping (IMO CARES) project and MTCC-Latin America with the aim of highlighting the role of green technologies in achieving more sustainable shipping.
Maritime experts and sector specialist speakers discussed green energies and technologies (such as wind propulsion systems and solar energy); alternatives fuels (such as ammonia and hydrogen); the relevance of innovation, research and data collection to tackle emissions; the need for financial investments and collaboration withing stakeholders; and the importance of capacity building and inclusion, so no one is left behind in the journey towards decarbonization in the Latin America region and internationally.
Over 200 participants from around the world also learned about how the IMO CARES project can help to support technology transfer globally, by bringing together stakeholders in the maritime sector and technology providers to help solving challenges in the work towards emission reductions.
The objective of the IMO CARES project is to link the research and development initiatives in the Global North and the Global South to accelerate demonstration of green technologies and promote their development in a manner that assists blue economic growth in developing regions while creating new technology markets. The project is currently in its preparatory phase. It was launched in April 2022, and is financed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As part of the foundation phase activities, similar workshops were organized between June and August 2022 in collaboration with Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres for the Caribbean, Africa and Pacific.
The International Maritime Organization – UN Environment Programme and Government of Norway are jointly hosting INNOVATION FORUM from 28-29 September 2022.
This event will bring together all stakeholders to promote inclusive innovation towards maritime decarbonization with focus on addressing the specific needs on developing countries, particularly Least Developing Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Forum is linked to the IMO World Maritime Day theme 2022 "New Technologies for Greener Shipping", with a special emphasis on inclusive innovation for decarbonization of maritime industry.
The Forum will host exciting discussions on topics such as:
• How IMO policies are driving the international maritime decarbonization agenda
• Innovative practices and new technologies for greener shipping through inclusive innovation
• 8How to finance new technologies for greener shipping
• How inclusive and innovative ecosystems can support greener shipping
And for more information please visit the Innovation Forum page on the IMO website
On May 26, 2022, the MTCC Latin America (MTCC-LA), the Faculty of Nautical Sciences of the International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP) and the Martin Rouseaux Company of Argentina, presented the Webinar on the topic: "All you need to know about EEXI, SEEMP and their Carbon Intensity Indicators”.
This Webinar took place through the Virtual Platforms from 09:00 to 11:00 (Panama Local Time UTC-5). The event was attended by 384 registered participants, including industry specialists, technical experts, service providers, members of the academic community, as well as representatives of the Maritime Administrations of the Latin American region.
The objectives of the Webinar were, firstly, to promote awareness of the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction strategy for international shipping, stipulating a 50% reduction by 2050; second, to familiarize participants with the goals and objectives of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to reduce CO2 emissions from ships, by at least 40% by 2030, pursuing efforts towards 70% by 2050, compared to 2008. For this, have been established an energy efficiency existing ships index (EEXI) and a carbon intensity indicator (CII), accompanied by the new requirements for the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan, providing shipowners as a reference point to reduce its emission levels in order to meet the objectives and goals established for a more efficient, safe and sustainable maritime transport.
Among the topics presented are:
The IMO's Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Strategy
Technical Measures:
• EEXI – Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index
• EEXI – Calculation
Operational Measures:
• CII – Carbon Intensity Indicator
• SEEMP – New requirements for the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan
The Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre for Latin America (MTCC Latin America) and the International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP), organize the first international virtual conference of this year 2022, to discuss about a transcendental topic for the sustainable development of the shipping industry: "Alternative Marine Fuels and the challenges for Latin America"
The event will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2022 (time: 09:00- 15:00 hours UTC-5:00), through the virtual platforms of the organizers, aiming to promote and enhance in the Shipping Industry, issues related to safety, new regulations, emerging technologies, marine fuel prices, supply chain (availability and infrastructure),the reduction of carbon emissions into the atmosphere through alternative marine fuels, the barriers for its effective adoption and other related topics involving the different actors in this process of global energy transition, as part of the IMO “short and medium term strategies” to achieve the established objective on the reduction of GHG emissions from ships.
On September 2, 2021, the MTCC Latin America (MTCC-LA) and the International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP) presented the Webinar on the subject: "MEPC 76 and its Technical outcomes towards a Decarbonized Shipping Industry”. This Webinar was carried out through virtual platforms. Also, 599 registered participants attended this event, among which were: industry specialists, technicians, service providers, members of the academic community, as well as representatives of the Maritime Administrations of the Latin American region.
The objectives of the Webinar were to explain the important aspects of the two (2) new requirements that were approved at the Meeting of the Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) where the amendments to the Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution by ships (MARPOL) were adopted to reduce carbon intensity in the maritime transport industry. These amendments combine technical and operational approaches to improve the energy efficiency of ships by implementing the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).
On June 17, 2021, the MTCC Latin America (MTCC-LA) and the Faculty of Nautical Sciences of the International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP) presented the Webinar on the topic: “Let's talk about Ballast Water with Alfa Laval” where topics related to the scope of application of the International Maritime Organization's Ballast Water Management Agreement were discussed, which entered into force on September 8, 2017, a comparison was presented with the USCG regulations of the United States of North America with the IMO Regulations. The training and training of academic and professional training, the technologies available in the market are important pillars for these regulations to be effective and functional. All this frames the Provisions of the Laste Water Management Agreement:
• Aspects of the Convention to be incorporated into national laws.
Guidelines for the Management of the Ballast Water Agreement.
• Technologies for Ballast Water treatment.
On April 28, 2021, the MTCC Latin America, through the Panama International Maritime University (UMIP), held its first International Virtual Conference of 2021, with the theme: "Decarbonization in the Maritime Transport Industry and the challenges for Latin America". This event had an audience of 360 people from different countries. Participants included multidisciplinary specialists from the maritime industry, members of academia and maritime authorities in the region.
The event included presentations by technical experts representing Classification Societies, the Panama Canal Authority, energy efficiency specialists from EnEmSol and representatives of its Maritime Administrations DIMAR - Colombia, DICAPI - Peru, DIRECTEMAR - Chile and AMP - Panama.
The MTCC-Latin America held its Fourth National Workshop on "Energy Efficiency and Emission Reduction from Ships" at the Center for Higher Naval Studies (CESNAV) located in Mexico City, Mexico. The event had the active participation of representatives from the European Union in Mexico, IMO Project Coordination Unit, Port Captaincy and Maritime Affairs Unit (UNICAPAM), SEMAR, CESNAV, SEMARNAT, SCT, SENER, CONUEE, PEMEX, prestigious Universities, members of the Mexican maritime and port industry. During the Seminar, participants acquired and updated knowledge on key energy efficiency issues in the maritime transportation industry, exchanged experiences, and identified challenges to be solved. In addition, different perspectives for the accession and subsequent implementation of Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention in Mexico were discussed.
The MTCC-Latin America successfully held its Third National Workshop Seminar on "Ship Energy Efficiency and Emission Reduction" in Lima, Peru, from 14th – 16th of November, 2018. This event was attended by representatives from the Peruvian Maritime Authority (DICAPI), as well as from key members of the maritime and port industry of Peru. Participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with key aspects of energy efficiency issues, exchange practical experiences on the topic and identify the perceived main challenges and opportunities for the implementation of these IMO measures international in Peru.
AGENDASPEECHESFrom 22nd to 24th of August 2018, the MTCC-Latin America held its Second National Workshop on “Ship Energy Efficiency and Emissions Reduction” in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. The event was attended by representatives from the General Maritime Directorate (DIMAR) and the maritime and port industry of Colombia. During this workshop participants gained and updated their knowledge on key issues of energy efficiency for the maritime transport industries. Attendees exchanged experiences as well as identified challenges and opportunities regarding the incorporation and implementation of IMO´s ship EE regulations in Colombia.
AGENDASPEECHESOn June 13, 14 and 15, 2018, MTCC-Latin America held its First National Workshop on Technical Aspects of Energy Efficiency for Ships. This event took place in Panama City, Panama, and was attended by representatives of the Maritime Administration of Panama , industry service providers, universities and other training institutions of Panama. During this workshop the participants learned and updated their knowledge on key energy efficiency measures for ships, exchanged experiences and identified opportunities for the implementation of IMO applicable international standards.
AGENDASPEECHES AND MEDIAAlso during the month of March 2018, the MTCC-Latin America delivered its First Regional Workshop on IMO Energy Efficiency regulations. The seminar was attended by representatives of the Maritime Administrations of 14 Latin American countries, members of the maritime and port industry, as well as representatives of maritime universities. The speakers included industry experts from North America, Europe and Panama, as well as from the World Maritime University.
AGENDASPEECHES AND MEDIADuring the month of March 2018, the MTCC-Latin America was officially launched in Panama City. This important event was attended by national and regional maritime authorities, representatives from the MTCC-Asia, as well as diplomats accredited in Panama. Among the keynote speakers were the Minister for Maritime Affairs of Panama, Representatives of the European Union and the IMO, and the President of UMIP, the hosting institution of the MTCC.
En diciembre de 2017 el Secretario General de la Organización Marítima Internacional (OMI) lanzó oficialmente la red global de centros de cooperación de tecnología marítima como una iniciativa concreta para fomentar la implementación de tecnologías, prácticas y medidas de mitigación al cambio climático en el ámbito del transporte marítimo. El evento se llevo a cabo durante la Asamblea General de los Estados miembros de la OMI en Londres, Inglaterra.
The ISPS Forum was held in the City of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in September 2017. The main purpose of this event was to examine the implementation of maritime, port security measures, as well as environmental concerns affecting the port industry. In its participation the MTCC-Latin America highlighted its objectives of helping reduce greenhouse emissions from ships and adopt efficient energy technologies and management practices on board. This would contribute to the environmental solutions of the sector.
The ISPS Forum was held in the city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in September 2017 with the aim of contributing to the implementation of maritime, port and environmental safety and security measures. The MTCC-Latin America pointed out its objectives of helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships and the adoption of efficient energy management technologies on board. These measures contribute to the industry's environmental solutions.
The MTCC-Latin America participated in the first regional seminar of its MTCC-Caribbean counterparts. The event took place in the city of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, headquarters of the Center, and served to strengthen the bonds of cooperation with our Caribbean colleagues.