Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 24, Antigua and Barbuda’s government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Veer, a Bahamas-based maritime startup, to transform the region into a hub for sustainable shipping. The agreement aims to establish Antigua and Barbuda’s port as the Caribbean’s first fully decarbonized facility, with potential to serve as a transshipment center for green fuels.

The partnership will accelerate the development of an innovative, zero-emission containership designed for transoceanic voyages, to be operated from Antigua’s shores. Veer is advancing its HyWindship vessels, powered by wind and green hydrogen, to support sustainable maritime transport. The company’s flagship vessel, “Design Nº1,” has received approval in principle from the American Bureau of Shipping and secured €50 million in conditional financing for construction.

Danielle Southcott, CEO of Veer Group, stated: “Antigua and Barbuda has now positioned itself to become the known refueling station for green fuel, in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) legislation which will be coming into effect in October.” This aligns with global efforts to reduce maritime emissions.

Darwin Telemaque, Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority Manager, said: “If Antigua and Barbuda becomes the known refueling station for green hydrogen, this can become either a transshipment hub or a refueling hub, especially for cruise vessels and large yachts. Shore power is another critical factor. For Antigua and Barbuda to be able to say yes, we will offer clean shore power, vessels and major cruise lines or shipping companies that are mandated to reduce their carbon emissions will almost have no choice but to come here. And that’s a massive opportunity.”

Telemaque emphasized that the agreement includes creating a dedicated hub for storing and supplying sustainable fuel, positioning Antigua as a leader in green maritime innovation. The port authority will designate an area for fuel production, storage, and delivery, supporting bunkering and cold-ironing to provide clean shore power for vessels, particularly cruise ships. He added: “If Veer produces a number of absolute-zero-emission ships and they were to flag those ships in Antigua, Antigua could end up with the largest clean green ship registry in the world.”

This collaboration fosters a sustainable and investment-friendly environment, enabling the port to modernize and decarbonize operations. By integrating Veer’s innovative vessels and green fuel infrastructure, Antigua and Barbuda aims to redefine maritime operations in the Caribbean, supporting economic growth and environmental sustainability.