IMO holds course to equip new generation of trainers for green bunker fuels transition

International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Wednesday (16 July) said its GreenVoyage2050 Programme and the German development agency GIZ, through its International Power-to-X (PtX) Hub, have been running their first joint Training-of-Trainers course on renewable PtX fuels for shipping from 14 to 18 July. 

The course is equipping a new generation of trainers with the knowledge and tools needed to support the global transition to low and zero-carbon fuels in the maritime sector. 

Participants are engaging in interactive sessions covering topics such as the impact of shipping on the climate, emerging fuel technologies, the role of ports in the energy transition, and strategies to decarbonise national fleets. 

As part of the hands-on methodology, participants are also practicing how to deliver selected training modules themselves and receive feedback to strengthen their facilitation skills and adapt content to national contexts. 

More than 20 participants from around the world are attending the course, held at IMO Headquarters in London. The course is part of a growing partnership between IMO and International PtX Hub, aimed at supporting developing countries prepare for a cleaner and more sustainable future in shipping. 

Power-to-X converts renewable electricity from wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal sources into sustainable fuels such as green hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and renewable marine diesel — all with potential to support the decarbonisation of shipping. 

Astrid Dispert, GreenVoyage2050 Programme Manager at IMO, said: “This programme is a critical enabler for cascading renewable PtX knowledge to national actors in the maritime sector. The shared learning and interactive methodology will empower our trainers to deliver impactful workshops that support the green shipping transition worldwide. We are building a community of trainers who can help share this knowledge across the world.”

Philipp Wittrock, Lead Shipping & Country Outreach, International PtX Hub, said: “The training modules, co-created with the IMO, now offer a solid tool for scaling capacity development at the nexus of energy and shipping – a key area for climate action. By training experts from different countries, we are helping to turn global ambition into local action. These new trainers will now support their own countries to prepare for the future of shipping.” 

All trainers participating in the course had previously completed a foundational course on renewable fuels. They will now be equipped to deliver tailored national workshops, contributing to broader efforts under the IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 Programme and the International PtX Hub’s efforts to promote clean energy solutions globally.

Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 17 July 2025