A new study examining Jamaica’s potential to develop as a regional bunkering hub for low- and zero-carbon marine fuels has been released. Initiated by the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, and supported through IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 Programme, the study assesses future fuel demand, supply options, infrastructure needs and the conditions required to support Jamaica’s maritime energy transition.

The study was presented to Director General Bertrand Smith, Head of the Jamaica Maritime Authority, at IMO headquarters in London on 5 November.

Funded by the Government of Finland, it builds on discussions with relevant national stakeholders during a workshop which took place at the beginning of the year. The findings highlight Jamaica’s strategic location at the intersection of major shipping routes, significant port traffic and existing LNG infrastructure.

Total bunkering demand is projected to grow only modestly, from approximately 1.1 million tonnes today to 1.4 million tonnes by 2050. The fuel mix, however, could change substantially, with growing demand for methanol, ammonia, biofuels and methane-based alternatives.

The study finds that an import-led model offers Jamaica the most viable near-term pathway. Existing LNG import, regasification and ship-to-ship bunkering capabilities provide a practical platform for a transition towards bio-LNG, synthetic LNG and other low- and zero-carbon fuels.

Highlighting the study’s value for national planning, Bertrand Smith, Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, said: “This study gives Jamaica a stronger evidence base for planning the next stage of our maritime development. By understanding how fuel demand, infrastructure and technology are likely to evolve, we can take practical steps to strengthen port readiness, regulation and investment. The findings will help inform national decision-making, deepen collaboration with industry and international partners, and position Jamaica to contribute meaningfully to the Caribbean’s transition towards cleaner shipping.”

A phased approach

The roadmap proposes three stages:

• 2026–2035: Build a safe and competitive import-led bunkering market.
• 2035–2045: Test pilot-scale domestic production of hydrogen-derived fuels.
• From 2045: Consider larger-scale green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol production as renewable-energy economics improve and demand grows.

Recommended next steps

To support this transition, the report recommends establishing an Alternative Marine Fuels Task Force and developing a fuel-agnostic regulatory framework. It also recommends completing port-readiness assessments, strengthening emergency preparedness and launching pilot projects, alongside closer engagement with shipping lines, fuel suppliers, regional ports and international partners. 

About GreenVoyage2050

The GreenVoyage2050 Programme is supporting developing countries in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping, in line with the IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. Through technical assistance, capacity building, policy support and pilot projects, the programme helps countries identify practical pathways towards maritime decarbonization while fostering innovation, investment and international collaboration. 

The GreenVoyage2050 Programme is technology- and fuel-neutral, responding to requests for technical assistance in response to annual open calls for expression of interest to participate in the Programme. GreenVoyage2050 is funded by the Governments of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway, as well as contributions from the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP).

Source: IMO

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