The Maritime Technology Global Challenge
Welcome to the IMO CARES Maritime Technology Global Challenge!
We have invited technology providers from across the globe to submit their decarbonization solutions geared toward ports and domestic vessels in Africa and/or the Caribbean.
The mission is clear: to expedite the adoption of green technology in developing countries, with a special focus on Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.
Please kindly note the submission period closed on 7 January 2024.
About The Challenge
After review of submissions, up to four winning technology providers will be chosen by an expert panel to receive funding to create bespoke technical proposals for the implementation of their solutions in specific African and/or Caribbean countries.
How the Challenge works
The challenge is open to companies and organizations worldwide which have market-ready decarbonization technology solutions suitable for use in ports and / or on ships of under 5,000 gt (such as inter-island vessels, port service vessels, and fishing vessels). While wind, solar, electric, and energy optimization technologies have already been identified as suitable, the challenge is technology neutral. We are open to all technology solutions which are in the competition scope and, encourage companies to tailor their entries to the specific needs of the countries where the solutions will be deployed.
The chosen technology providers will receive funding ranging from USD 15,000 to USD 30,000 USD to develop a comprehensive technical proposal. Additionally, funds of approximately USD 500,000 may be made available to implement the technical proposals for technology demonstrations in each participating country, under the IMO implemented Global MTCC Network (GMN) project, funded by the European Commission.
Timeline of the Challenge
July 2023
Online Global Challenge announcement to provide background information and valuable insights into the Challenge timeline, and entry criteria. The recording is available here.
Sept – Oct 2023
Conduct consultations with key stakeholders to identify suitable ships and/or ports for participation in the Global Challenge.
November 2023
Release of Technical details via the IMO CARES website.
Online Launch and Q&A event to address any queries from interested technology providers interested in participating.
Nov 2023 – Jan 2024
Website portal open for concept submissions from Wednesday 22nd November
The deadline for submitting applications for this challenge is 6pm (UK) on Sunday 7th January 2024. Any submissions after this date will not be assessed. The winning applicants to be announced in March 2024.
Feb – April 2024
Selected winners receive funding and develop comprehensive proposals for the demonstration of their chosen technology in the beneficiary country or countries.
Contact Us
Please note we are no longer accepting submissions for the IMO CARES Maritime Technology Global Challenge. Should you have any further questions, please fill out the below form or please kindly send an email to imo_cares@imo.org.
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Technical Details and Further Info
Technical Details
If you are interested to participate in the Global Challenge, a document outlining the submission guidance and technical overview of the beneficiary countries can be found here.
Online Introduction to the Challenge
An online introduction to the Challenge key components took place in July 2023, providing valuable insights into the Challenge timeline, and entry criteria. Representatives from the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres (MTCCs) in Africa and the Caribbean shared information about decarbonization aspirations and challenges in these regions. The recording is available here.