Pacific nations Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu have joined forces with the Republic of Korea and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to launch a landmark regional initiative aimed at decarbonising maritime transport.
The USD 9 million, five-year programme, officially launched at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva in August, will help the three island states transition towards low-carbon shipping while strengthening resilience to climate change.
Funded by Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and implemented by GGGI in close partnership with the participating governments, the initiative will develop national low-carbon maritime transport roadmaps, set up monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) systems, pilot Alternate Marine Power (AMP) systems in ports and build institutional capacity to attract green investment.
Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the programme was central to Fiji’s climate and economic ambitions.
“Decarbonising our shipping sector is both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity,” he said. “Through this partnership with the Republic of Korea, GGGI and our Pacific neighbours, we aim to strengthen regulatory frameworks and build the skills needed to deliver cleaner, more efficient maritime transport for all Fijians.”
He stressed that the programme supports Fiji’s Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement and aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s revised strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi highlighted the role of shipping in connecting island communities, while Vanuatu’s Acting Director of Ports and Marine Department Mr. Robson Tari noted the opportunity to modernise fleets and invest in sustainable infrastructure.
Chargé d’Affaires of the Korean Embassy in Fiji Mr. Myong Jun Kim reaffirmed his country’s commitment to sharing expertise and technology, and GGGI Pacific Regional Director Mr. Sakiusa Tuisolia described the initiative as “a landmark example of cooperation to address climate change while driving inclusive green growth.”
Over the next five years, the programme aims to bridge knowledge and capacity gaps, support national strategies and roll out scalable solutions such as AMP systems. Officials said its ultimate goal is to deliver cleaner ships, greener ports and resilient maritime transport systems for Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu — creating a model for the wider Pacific.
