The International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP) formalized international cooperation in maritime transport, thanks to the fact that it will continue to be the host institution of the Centers for Cooperation in Maritime Technology (MTCC) for the Latin American region, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

By continuing to be the headquarters of the MTCC, UMIP advances in the sustainability of maritime transport, through the implementation of technologies and practices that improve energy efficiency and reduce polluting emissions.

This initiative, which is promoted by the IMO in collaboration with the European Union (EU), seeks to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the improvement of energy efficiency in the maritime sector, especially in developing countries.

The project establishes a global network of MTCCs, distributed in several regions of the world to promote sustainability and energy efficiency in the maritime sector.

The centers included in this network that also signed the memorandum are: MTCC Africa (Kenya), MTCC Asia (China), MTCC Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago) and MTCC Pacific (Fiji).

The MTCCs function as regional nodes of knowledge and support, facilitating the transfer of technology and best practices between countries and regions, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency in maritime transport, especially in developing countries.

Each one meets the objectives of the project established by mutual agreement over a period of several years, constituting a support to the efforts of the IMO to ensure the implementation and compliance with global energy efficiency rules for international maritime transport.

In addition, they will receive allocations of 10 million euros (about US$10.7 million) from EU funds for the project, since the objective is for them to become centers of excellence, thus leading the promotion of energy efficiency technologies and operations, as well as the reduction of harmful emissions from ships.