By All in Maritime News | Nairobi Kenya
The maritime world is under immense pressure to decarbonize—and fast. In July 2023, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted a revised GHG strategy that calls for at least a 30% reduction in total emissions from international shipping by 2030, 70% by 2040, and full decarbonization around 2050. These targets have triggered unprecedented investments in cleaner propulsion technologies, emissions tracking systems, and low-carbon fuels.
But where does Africa, and more specifically Eastern Africa, fit into this transformation? All in Maritime News launched a detailed investigation across Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti, and Mozambique to assess how ports and logistics systems are preparing for this historic pivot. We also reached out to Observater Surveys and Services Ltd, one of the region’s most prominent marine and cargo inspection companies, for technical insights into compliance, readiness, and what lies ahead.
1. The Global Decarbonization Push Hits African Waters
While African nations contribute just 4% of global shipping emissions, they are not exempt from global trade dynamics. Already, European Union initiatives like the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulations are being extended to cover non-EU ports involved in voyages to Europe.
“The carbon cost of doing business is changing. African ports and vessel operators who trade internationally are being drawn into compliance frameworks far earlier than anticipated,” notes marine energy analyst Dr. Philip Gathii, based in Rotterdam.
Shipping giants like Maersk, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd have begun demanding carbon intensity reports (CII) and environmental certifications for ships calling at African terminals, particularly those transporting Europe-bound cargo.
2. The Regional Landscape: Who’s Doing What?
Kenya – Port of Mombasa:
- The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is piloting electric RTGs (e-RTGs) in partnership with JICA.
- KPA’s Green Port Policy (2024-2028) emphasizes shore power feasibility, waste-to-energy exploration, and LNG bunkering strategy development.
- The ongoing Port Community System (PCS) 2.0 rollout includes modules for emissions tracking and environmental risk flagging.
Tanzania – Dar es Salaam & Tanga Ports:
- Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) is implementing a Green Port Strategy, backed by AfDB and UNCTAD.
- Solar microgrids are being installed in Dar es Salaam for non-cargo operations.
- Feasibility studies on LNG bunkering and OPS (Onshore Power Supply) are underway.
Djibouti – East Africa’s Transshipment Node:
- Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA) is working with Chinese infrastructure partners to assess a hybrid LNG + shore power bunkering facility.
- Vessel turnaround times have improved with AI berth scheduling, reducing port emissions by ~12% between 2022-2024.
Mozambique – Port of Maputo:
- DP World Maputo has introduced over 700 reefer plugs and installed LED yard lighting.
- LNG feasibility is being explored in conjunction with Mozambique’s offshore gas developments.
3. Fuel of the Future? Not So Fast
Globally, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen are touted as the future of marine propulsion. But in East Africa, the energy transition remains in its infancy.
- LNG is seen as the most viable transition fuel. Yet, there are no operational LNG bunkering terminals in Eastern Africa as of mid-2025.
- Biofuels derived from sugarcane molasses (Kenya) and cashew nut shell liquid (Tanzania) are being tested in small pilot programs, but scaling remains limited.
- Hydrogen is seen as too expensive and complex for immediate regional deployment.
“We need realistic timelines. The technologies being pushed globally are not yet viable in East Africa without major capital subsidies,” explains Eng. Joseph Kalua, energy transition consultant and IMO alternate delegate for Kenya.
4. Expert Commentary: Observater on the Green Shift
All in Maritime News contacted Eng. Daniel Esilaba, Managing Director of Observater Surveys and Services Ltd, for an expert view from the frontline of East Africa’s port and cargo inspection sector.
“Green compliance is becoming a commercial necessity, not just a regulatory goal,” says Eng. Esilaba. “Charterers and insurers are already asking for bunker quality verification, vessel efficiency scores, and CII ratings, even in ports where such metrics were once unheard of.”
Observater has expanded its services to support:
- Bunker Quantity Surveys (BQS) integrated with emissions factors.
- Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) assessments for time-chartered vessels.
- Pre-loading environmental compliance audits for tankers and general cargo ships.
“We’ve seen cases where a single bad bunker batch raised a vessel’s carbon rating and affected charter renewal. That’s where detailed local inspection can protect long-term asset value,” Esilaba adds.
Observater also advocates for local capacity building in environmental data handling:
- Training local surveyors in GHG measurement protocols.
- Working with terminal operators to establish Emission Monitoring Plans (EMPs).
- Supporting cargo owners with green logistics certifications for ESG reporting.
5. The Barriers: Infrastructure, Awareness, and Incentives
Despite progress, many East African ports face:
- Low grid reliability: Most ports can’t sustain OPS (cold ironing) due to unstable electricity supply.
- Absence of bunkering infrastructure: No port has an IMO-compliant LNG fueling system.
- Policy inertia: Few national maritime authorities have published enforceable green shipping frameworks.
- High financing costs: Credit for green retrofits or equipment is expensive and often denominated in foreign currencies.
“We are building regulations while the ship is already sailing,” quips Zainab Abdulrahman, Director of Maritime Policy, Tanzania. “Unless we de-risk private sector investment, we won’t catch up in time.”
6. The Path Forward: Practical Green Shipping for Africa
Experts interviewed across the region suggested a phased strategy:
- Short-Term (2025-2027):
- Expand use of e-RTGs and solar hybrid systems.
- Standardize emissions reporting formats across EAC.
- Introduce green port performance scores in port concession tenders.
- Medium-Term (2027-2032):
- Commission LNG bunkering in at least two ports (Mombasa, Djibouti).
- Establish green shipping corridors for key trades (e.g. Mombasa-Dubai, Maputo-Singapore).
- Long-Term (Post-2032):
- Localize green fuel production through public-private R&D.
- Achieve regional alignment with IMO’s net-zero target pathways.
Conclusion: Leading the Transition on African Terms
The shift to green shipping is no longer speculative. Global carbon pricing, regulatory expansion, and ESG-driven trade policies are reshaping port competitiveness and fleet decisions.
For East Africa, the opportunity is not just compliance but commercial differentiation. By investing in green port infrastructure, training, and inspection systems, the region can serve as both a gateway for climate-aligned trade and a proving ground for practical, scalable maritime decarbonization.
As Eng. Daniel Esilaba of Observater concludes:
“Africa doesn’t need to copy Europe or Singapore. We need solutions that work for our energy realities, trade patterns, and environmental needs. Observater’s job is to make sure those solutions are technically sound, verifiable, and economically viable for every vessel and every cargo.”
Continue following All in Maritime News for the next story in our Green Transition Series:
Contact us: editor@allinmaritime.com | www.allinmaritime.com
