Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport

24/08/2026

SAVE THE DATE 🌊
Join us for an important conversation on shipping’s decarbonization pathway.

🌐 WEBINAR
Pacific Leadership in Maritime Decarbonization: From Global Commitments to Local Action

📅 Wednesday, 30 September 2026
🕘 9:00 AM FJT / RMI (GMT+12)

Be part of the conversation as we explore the Pacific’s leadership and role in advancing global maritime decarbonization—and how global commitments can translate into meaningful action across Pacific island countries.

🔗 Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/SPdT5MblSq6DV6xqLsKlAg

Save the date and join the discussion.

We look forward to your participation! 🌏⚓

23/08/2026

🚢 Innovation for a Low-Carbon Blue Pacific

Fiji’s second phase of Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) trials highlights how emerging technology can strengthen maritime surveillance while supporting a more sustainable future.

Powered by renewable sources such as solar, wind and wave energy, USVs offer the potential for extended operations with lower energy and operational footprints.

For the Pacific, this is an important intersection of maritime security, innovation and decarbonisation—showing how cleaner technologies can deliver practical solutions across our vast ocean spaces.

The Fiji Navy is strengthening its maritime surveillance capabilities with the second phase of trials involving Uncrewed Surface Vessels in Fijian wat

22/08/2026

Record-breaking ocean temperatures are putting marine ecosystems, livelihoods and coastal communities at growing risk.

The emerging push for an ocean roadmap at COP31 is an important opportunity to connect ocean protection with climate action and sustainable maritime transport.

For the Pacific, commitments must go beyond words—delivering practical action, stronger resilience, cleaner shipping and access to the finance and technology needed by Small Island Developing States.

A healthy ocean is fundamental to a resilient Pacific.

Africa and the EU are leading a push for COP31 to deliver a roadmap that lays out measures to protect fast-warming oceans

22/08/2026

The Panama Canal will reduce daily vessel transits from 36 to 34 in September, and then to 32, as severe drought and El Niño-driven conditions reduce water levels.

The canal handles around 5% of global maritime trade, highlighting how climate-driven water scarcity can quickly become a global supply-chain issue.

For the maritime sector, this is another reminder that climate resilience must be at the heart of shipping and infrastructure planning.

For the Pacific, where climate impacts are already disrupting communities, economies and transport systems, the lesson is clear: building resilient maritime systems is no longer optional — it is essential.

Further restrictions on shipping lane possible as Central America gripped by severe drought

19/08/2026

🌊 Marine Heatwaves: A Warning for the Pacific

New research shows climate change is driving a massive expansion of marine heatwaves across European waters, with some areas recording temperatures up to 6°C above normal.

For the Pacific, this is another warning of the growing risks to our oceans, fisheries, ecosystems and coastal communities.

🌏 A warming ocean demands stronger climate action.

Hottest periods this year in most sea regions would have been ‘virtually impossible’ in a preindustrial climate

19/08/2026

The Caribbean’s maritime diplomatic muscle is building - and they are pushing for policies that ensure a green transition that is both impactful and equitable for their archipelagic region.

By focusing on technical advisory work, delegate training, and regional coordination, especially at the IMO - the Caribbean Shipping Lanes (CSL) is bringing a regional maritime voice to the forefront of international negotiations.

As fellow Small Island Developing states we are inspired by CSL's rapid development in international fora.

Climate Analytics is a non-profit organisation based in Berlin, Germany with offices in New York, USA, Lomé, Togo and Perth, Australia which brings together interdisciplinary expertise in the scientific and policy aspects of climate change.

19/08/2026

The Pacific News Service has covered our new database:

"The Micronesian Centre for Sustainable Transport (MCST) launched the Pacific Maritime Database Project to provide a central source of information on maritime investment across the region.

Developed with support from research partners at the University College London’s Energy Institute, the database tracks funding for maritime projects from multiple donors and external agencies.

Using publicly available data covering 2016 to 2026, the project identifies an estimated US$3.7 billion invested across 115 maritime projects."

Home Breaking News New Pacific database tracks US$3.7 billion in maritime investment Photo via ADB Breaking NewsNews New Pacific database tracks US$3.7 billion in maritime investment By Pita Ligaiula - August 14, 2026 222 0 FacebookXPinterestWhatsApp A new database has put the scale of maritime inve...

16/08/2026

🌊 Keeping Pacific Navigation Knowledge Alive

Ancient Pacific navigation knowledge was once at risk of being lost. Today, grand master navigator Peia Patai is helping preserve and pass on this remarkable tradition.

His knowledge features in the immersive 360° film Vaka Moana: Ancestors of the Future, taking audiences to the remote atoll of Mangaia and showcasing the Pacific’s enduring connection to the ocean.

A powerful celebration of heritage, knowledge and ocean identity. 🛶🌊

14/08/2026

🌊 LNG and Energy Security: A Pacific Lesson

A New Zealand Ombudsman ruling has highlighted concerns over transparency surrounding the country’s proposed LNG terminal.

A previously withheld analysis found LNG “shouldn’t materially affect average electricity prices” and identified renewables, geothermal and energy storage as alternative security options.

For the Pacific, the message is clear: major energy decisions should balance energy security, affordability and the long-term transition to renewable energy.

Officials should not have withheld a key document behind the government's decision to proceed with a "divisive" LNG terminal, the chief ombudsman has ruled.

14/08/2026

🚢 Can Green Shipping Corridors Keep Pace with Trade Growth?

A new study in Frontiers in Marine Science highlights a key challenge for maritime decarbonisation: shipping growth can offset emissions reductions from cleaner fuels and technologies.

The research shows that even with high adoption of alternative fuels, achieving net zero by 2050 remains challenging without integrated planning across ships, ports, energy, fuels and infrastructure.

For the Pacific, the message is clear: decarbonisation must be about more than cleaner vessels—it requires investment, regional cooperation and resilient energy systems.

📖 Read the study: Frontiers in Marine Science

Decarbonising maritime transport is becoming increasingly challenging amid sustained global trade growth. This study develops a System Dynamics (SD) framewor...