Official US Government Icon

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Site Icon

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Maritime Updates - December 2023

  • Secretary Buttigieg emphasized maritime decarbonization, supply chain resiliency, and strengthening the maritime workforce in a video message released on November 28 to the 33rd session of the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization. 

  • DOT is convening two maritime events at COP28 in Dubai, UAE.

    • “Decarbonizing Maritime Ports” will take place on December 6 from 8:30am to 9:30am at the U.S. Center. This event will showcase the U.S. commitment to inclusive, innovative, and ambitious decarbonization of  maritime ports. Under Secretary Carlos Monje will provide opening remarks focusing on actions and opportunities in the U.S. A moderated panel will then discuss strategies and key areas for port decarbonization.

    • “Can Shipping Help Save the Ocean? A Dialogue On Science, Education, and Informed Policy-Making” will take place on December 6 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm at the Ocean Pavilion. This event will provide a vision for a healthy global ocean from a transportation perspective, emphasizing the need for science-based decision making. The discussion will cover efforts to decarbonize the shipping sector, its nexus to the ocean environment, including GHG emissions and underwater noise, and the importance of ocean and maritime education and workforce training. Under Secretary Carlos Monje will provide welcoming remarks. 

  • DOT, DOE, EPA, and HUD released on December 1 a U.S. Maritime Decarbonization Action Plan Preview  as part of the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. The Action Plan, to be released in early 2024, will outline how the U.S. government seeks to accelerate the transition to clean options in maritime through the deployment of zero-emission fuels, technologies, energies, and vessels. The Action Plan Preview highlights decarbonization pathways including vessels, ports, fuels, workforce, and partnerships.

  • DOT, Transport Canada, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (U.S.), and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (Canada) launched the Green Shipping Network by hosting a Collaborative Forum in April amongst Great Lakes Seaway stakeholders.  The Forum spurred the establishment of two workstreams (Performance & Alternative Fuels), which provide stakeholder ports, carriers, shippers, and environmental groups a mechanism to collaborate and exchange information.  The organizing agencies expect to frame a workplan in 2024 with measurable milestones.

  • The United States, including DOT, and the United Kingdom announced the next steps to support of the establishment of a Green Shipping Corridor between the United States and United Kingdom. The U.S.-UK Green Shipping Corridor Task Force intends to undertake a feasibility study to help identify the most effective and viable maritime routes to establish a green shipping corridor between our two countries.

Last updated: Tuesday, December 19, 2023