In an effort to strengthen the implementation of Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention in the ROCRAM-CA countries, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Central American Commission on Maritime Transport (COCATRAM) organized two face-to-face workshops for Honduras and Guatemala. These activities are part of the second phase of the consultancy carried out within the framework of the “Thematic Programs” working model (PICT-OMI), whose objective is to provide information and tools to facilitate the implementation of IMO instruments in the Central American region.
From 27 to 29 January, the “MARPOL Annex VI Socialization Workshop with Interested Parties” was held in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. This event, led by consultant Eladio Peñaloza, was held in the conference room of the Office of the Attorney General of the Republic. With the support of the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine, the workshop was attended by various institutions responsible for environmental and maritime regulation in the country.
Topics covered at the Honduras workshop included the background to the MARPOL Convention and its link to climate change, IMO strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonize the maritime sector. Participants also discussed the provisions of MARPOL Annex VI, with a focus on emission control and Member State responsibilities.
A similar workshop was then held in Guatemala City from February 4 to 6 at the Guatemalan Army Conference Center. The activity, also led by consultant Eladio Peñaloza, brought together representatives from the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs of the Ministry of National Defense, as well as other government agencies responsible for environmental and energy management in the country.
In Guatemala, the workshop focused on sessions on the generalities and recognitions of MARPOL Annex VI, Emission Control and Energy Efficiency Management Systems for Ships (SEEMP). A practical exercise was also conducted to identify areas for improvement in current regulations and to assess the impact of future international regulations.
Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention is a key instrument in the fight against air pollution from ships, as it establishes regulations to limit emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxides, as well as regulations on energy efficiency in maritime transport. Its effective implementation in the ROCRAM-CA countries is essential to reduce the environmental impact of the maritime sector in the region.
Consultant Eladio Peñaloza highlighted the importance of these workshops for capacity building in the member countries. “It was a privilege to visit Honduras and Guatemala to share knowledge and experiences on the links between greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector and climate change. It is encouraging to see the commitment of key stakeholders to move forward with the implementation of MARPOL Annex VI,” he said.
In addition, Peñaloza highlighted the interest of the participants in continuing with this type of meetings and dialogues on the challenges and opportunities that the implementation of the IMO’s emissions reduction strategy represents. “The exchange of ideas and cooperation between the public and private sectors are essential to meet the levels of ambition established in the IMO GHG Strategy 2023,” he said.
These on-site workshops, together with other initiatives that integrate the planning of the Model Work “Thematic Programmes”, represent significant progress for ROCRAM-CA countries to achieve a more effective implementation of MARPOL Annex VI and other IMO Instruments in their national legislation. Likewise, international cooperation and commitment from governments and the maritime sector will be key to ensuring a more sustainable industry in line with global environmental goals.