The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has reiterated its commitment to enhancing green technology and deepening bilateral cooperation with Norway as part of its strategic move to advance sustainable maritime practices.
The Authority emphasized its commitment to green technology when the Norwegian Ambassador to Ghana, Dr John Mikel Kvistad, and Deputy Head of Mission, Ingrid Skjølaas, extended a courtesy call on the Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Dr Kamal-Deen Ali (Naval Captain Rtd), to strengthen strategic partnership on ocean governance.
“Having completed its baseline assessment, Ghana is now finalizing its National Action Plan to reduce maritime emissions.”
GMA
The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), led by Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali (Naval Captain Rtd), has been at the forefront of promoting green initiatives in the country’s maritime industry.
The Authority acknowledged the crucial support of Norway, particularly under the Green Voyage program, an initiative led by the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Technical Cooperation Programme aimed at supporting developing countries, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), in reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from shipping.
Sustainable Maritime Practices
As a country with one of the world’s fourth-largest commercial fleets, Norway is recognized as a leader in modernization, technology, and climate action, areas that are crucial for a sustainable global maritime future.
The GMA has been working closely with the Norwegian government to explore best practices and implement innovative solutions to reduce maritime emissions and promote environmental sustainability.
This operational strategy also aims to “support the implementation of Just-in-Time (JIT) sailing at the Tema Port, an operational strategy that matches a vessel’s speed to the port’s real-time berthing schedule”.
Ocean Security and Governance
The discussions between the GMA and the Norwegian delegation also touched on the importance of ocean security and governance.
Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali highlighted the GMA’s role in overseeing ocean security in collaboration with the Ghana Navy, including the use of the Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Information System (VTMIS) and ongoing plans to upgrade it to monitor the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Continuous collective effort is vital to sustain the significant reduction in maritime threats achieved in recent years.”
Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali
Recognizing the challenges of retrofitting older vessels in the African region, the GMA is actively seeking best practices from Norway on onboard carbon capture technology, which filters and stores carbon dioxide from a vessel’s exhaust to reduce emissions at sea.
The Authority also expressed the hope for the revival of the NORAD Capacity Building Program, underscoring the importance of persistent and consistent efforts.
Ocean Panel Initiative
Another area of potential collaboration highlighted by the GMA Director General is the Ocean Panel; a unique group of world leaders committed to sustainably managing their national waters to foster a healthy ocean and a resilient blue economy.
Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali noted his personal contributions as an author, emphasizing the importance of this initiative in fostering international cooperation and knowledge-sharing.
The GMA’s commitment to enhancing green technology and strengthening international partnerships aligns with Ghana’s National Integrated Maritime Strategy (NIMS), which the Authority has been actively implementing.
The Director General stressed the historical role of Norway as a key player in the development of NIMS, further underscoring the value of the longstanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
National Integrated Maritime Strategy
The GMA’s commitment to enhancing green technology and strengthening international partnerships aligns with Ghana’s National Integrated Maritime Strategy (NIMS), which the Authority has been actively implementing.
The Director General also stressed the historical role of Norway as a key player in the development of NIMS, further underscoring the value of the longstanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
By deepening its collaboration with Norway, the Ghana Maritime Authority is poised to leverage the Nordic country’s expertise and resources to drive sustainable maritime practices, promote green technology, and strengthen ocean governance.
This strategic partnership will not only benefit Ghana’s maritime sector but also contribute to the broader regional and global efforts to address the pressing environmental challenges facing the shipping industry.
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