After the conference I sat down with Brad Ives to reflect on our experience at the three-day conference organized by GIZ in Majuro, Marshall Islands. Please find the recording of this interview below.
We participated in a series of workshops and presented our TradeSailer Design Concepts, which generated significant interest and discussion among attendees.
The conference brought together representatives from various island nations and other stakeholders, many of whom are eager to explore sailing cargo ships to strengthen their economies and improve connections with neighboring islands. Our conversations highlighted the importance of sustainable shipping solutions tailored to the unique needs of the Pacific region.
Main Takeaways:
- Several island nations are very interested in adopting sailing cargo ships to boost their economies and connect with other islands.
- The demand for passenger transport is larger than initially anticipated.
- The Pacific has unique requirements for passenger comfort, influenced by local customs—such as transporting passengers on hatch covers.
- There are important differences between domestic and international transport that must be considered.
- For many islanders, traveling by ship is the only available option.
- Ensuring passenger comfort is a top responsibility for the crew.
Our TradeSailer Design Concepts were well received, and we look forward to further discussions with interested parties about providing sustainable solutions that meet these specific needs. The feedback we received will help us refine our designs and better address the challenges faced by Pacific Island Communities.
I would like to extend my gratitude to GIZ and the Republic of the Marshall Islands for their warm welcome and hospitality. We are excited about the potential for future collaboration and are committed to supporting a sustainable future for maritime transport in the region.
TradeSailer project 