Jakarta  - The maritime sector plays a crucial role as the lifeblood of national connectivity and the primary engine of trade in Indonesia. However, port operations and sea transportation still heavily rely on fossil fuels, positioning this sector as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In the momentum of the national energy transition, enhancing operational efficiency in the maritime sector is no longer merely a sustainability buzzword, but a strategic imperative to curb emissions while securing industrial effectiveness on the ground.

Responding to this urgency, IREEM, through the UK PACT SUSTAINED program, organized a capacity-building event focused on the maritime sector's energy efficiency guidebook from February 3–5, 2026. Engaging 60 key representatives from the port and shipping industries, this initiative was designed as a strategic platform to strengthen technical understanding and capacity. Simultaneously, it aimed to build a shared vision regarding the critical role of energy efficiency in supporting the national maritime decarbonization agenda.

The relevance of this initiative becomes even more pronounced as the maritime sector currently faces very real operational challenges that demand practical, actionable responses, rather than just theoretical policies. Highlighting this, Mr. Samsuddin, Director of Shipping and Ports, emphasized in his opening remarks that transforming this guidebook and training into a tangible solution for real world needs is an absolute necessity.

“The current situation, with approximately 150 tankers being held up, is a real-world condition that forces us to truly recognize how crucial the development of this guidebook is. This guidebook is not merely an administrative document; what matters is how it is genuinely understood, tested, adapted to field requirements, and then implemented consistently and sustainably. Therefore, this capacity building event is a pivotal moment.”   - Samsuddin (Director of Shipping and Ports)

Mr. Samsuddin delivered opening remarks and officially opened the capacity building session online via Zoom.

Practical Testing to Address Real-World Demands

To ensure these objectives were met, the program was densely structured to merge conceptual frameworks with practical field realities. Participants kicked off the training with an in-depth dive into maritime sector governance, an analysis of national and international regulatory frameworks, and a detailed introduction to Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions across all port and shipping operations.

Moving beyond regulatory frameworks, participants were then immersed in technical sessions dissecting various strategic approaches to energy efficiency. The comprehensively explored topics covered the utilization of cutting edge port technology, strategies to cut down vessel dwelling times, the implementation of On-Shore Power Supply (OPS), and an introduction to various energy efficient ship technologies. Furthermore, participants were equipped with an understanding of how digitalization and data management systems can measurably boost port operational efficiency.

To internalize this extensive material, the presentations were balanced with active participant engagement through group discussions, technology simulations, and case study analyses. Participants were encouraged to directly map out energy consumption sources within their respective institutions, practice simulating energy usage measurements, and formulate potential process improvements that could tangibly reduce energy consumption and emissions. This transformation in understanding and the growing sense of ownership toward the energy roadmap were clearly reflected in the enthusiastic responses from industry players.

“For me, the most interesting material in this event was the integrated energy management system. This roadmap is highly intriguing because it makes me wonder, can we truly implement it in accordance with the roadmap, as it looks so ideal and promising? It is fascinating to me because I want to see the continuation of this roadmap and figure out how I, as a business player in the maritime sector, can align with its trajectory.”  - Summarcatur Budi (Meratus Lines)

Fostering Inclusive Leadership in the Energy Transition

Alongside strengthening operational technical capacity, the capacity building program also marked an important milestone in advancing inclusivity through the implementation of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles. The maritime sector, historically associated with male dominance particularly in technical fields is now beginning to transform. This shift is reflected in the participation of 17 women out of a total of 60 participants in the program. Through this initiative, women participants were provided with equal opportunities and space to engage in technical discussions, share professional perspectives, and reinforce their strategic role in shaping energy efficiency solutions within the maritime sector.

The active participation of these women did more than just enrich the dynamics of the discussion; it served as empirical proof that orchestrating the energy transition absolutely requires contributions from a diverse range of professional backgrounds. This equal involvement sparks the creation of an inclusive work environment while simultaneously opening doors for women to take on leadership roles in designing sustainability solutions.

“In my opinion, women have an equal role in the maritime sector because women also possess analytical skills, collaborative approaches, and the ability to make critical decisions. It was evident during this event that female participants actively analyzed issues and were highly excited to take on the challenges presented in this capacity building.”  - Reniwati (Harbormaster and Port Authority Office Class IV of Muara Angke)

Female participants in the capacity building activity for the development of the Energy Efficiency Guideline as part of efforts to promote the implementation of GEDSI principles in the energy sector.

For the female participants, this forum evolved into an essential momentum to hone their professional capacities while weaving networks with key stakeholders. The increasingly massive involvement of women in the technical discourse on energy solutions is a positive signal that the maritime sector is evolving into a more adaptive and inclusive space in welcoming the energy transition.

Ultimately, this capacity building on the maritime sector's energy efficiency guidebook is projected not to stop merely as a medium for knowledge transfer within the training room. This enhancement in technical capacity is expected to metamorphose into tangible changes in field practices. With a well-calibrated understanding, maritime institutions are now far better equipped to implement energy management systems, adopt appropriate technologies, and execute low emission operations. In the long run, this foundation will fortify a resilient, efficient maritime sector that significantly contributes to realizing Indonesia's low-carbon development targets.