3 September 2024

Welcoming a Milestone for Sustainable Maritime Transport in the Marshall Islands

Innovative ship will transform transport in the islands

The state-of-the-art sailing cargo and training ship SV Juren Ae was successfully delivered to the Marshall Islands at its home port in Majuro. The SV Juren Ae exemplifies the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and climate change mitigation. The vessel operates by utilizing renewable resources such as wind and solar energy, which will significantly reduce the Marshall Islands’ dependence on imported fossil fuels, leading to substantial economic and environmental benefits.

The ship was constructed with innovative design principles on Geoje Island, South Korea, and its arrival represents years of international collaboration and commitment to sustainability, made possible through the Low Carbon Sea Transport Project, funded by the German Government’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection though the International Climate Initiative (IKI). GIZ managed the implementation, along with various national and international partners, including the Ministry of Transport, the Marshall Islands Shipping Corporation, and the University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer. The project aims to transition maritime transport to become more energy efficient in the region.

The Minister of Transport of the Marshall Islands, Hilton Kendall, expressed heartfelt gratitude and enthusiasm during the welcoming ceremony.

Today, we officially welcome the SV Juren Ae to its home port in Majuro. This vessel is more than just a ship; it is a beacon of hope, a cornerstone of maritime education, training, and sustainable sea transport for the Marshall Islands. The arrival of the SV Juren Ae marks a transformative moment in our efforts to transition towards a sustainable, energy-efficient future.

Hilton Kendall, Minister of Transport of the Marshall Islands

The SV Juren Ae will serve as a crucial training ground for future maritime workers and sailors while providing essential services to the islands. Project Director Mr. Raffael Held, GIZ, emphasized the broader implications of this achievement.

After SV Juren Ae arriving in her homeport Majuro, a major milestone of the bilateral partnership between Germany and the Marshall Islands is achieved. Responsible and continuous usage of the Juren Ae shall allow for an efficient and long-lasting life span of the ship. With RMI´s growing Green Fleet, new possibilities for shipping service can embrace, nationally but as well regionally.

Mr. Raffael Held, GIZ Project Director

The incorporation of the SV Juren Ae to the Marshall Islands’ fleet marks a significant milestone in the nation’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable maritime transport and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As the vessel embarked on its journey from South Korea, it carried a powerful message of sustainability and innovation that resonates far beyond the shores of the Marshall Islands.

Find out more about this project in the Marshall Islands:


The Low Carbon Sea Transport (LCST) Project in the RMI is implemented by GIZ and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV)


Transport and Climate Change Week is around the corner!

Experts and decision-makers from around the world gather every year in the flagship event on transport and climate. On 2024 the 7th edition of the Transport and Climate Change Week will be held during the week of 4-8 November, and it will be fully virtual, allowing a wider audience to participate. It still resounds the invitation made in 2023:

The ocean is made out of drops – we all are drops in the ocean. If we all take care of our drop, we can save the world.

H.E. Ms. Doreen de Brum, Ambassador, Republic of the Marshall Islands

By connecting the dots, we aim to foster global transport climate action, enabling participants to learn together, exchange ideas, network and develop solutions for a net zero transport future and decarbonisation. 

We invite the transport community, political partners, and international organisations to join us on this transformative journey. Save the date and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date, connect and participate! 

The SV Juren Ae sailing. ©Raffael Held GIZ
Author(s)
10 Principles for Sustainable Urban Transport