SMARTDEC workshop in Ireland strengthens stakeholder insights on maritime decarbonisation

The SMARTDEC workshop in Ireland took place on 30 April 2026 at the Conrad Hotel in Dublin, alongside the launch of the Irish Maritime Transport Economist. Organised by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), the event formed part of SMARTDEC’s stakeholder engagement activities aimed at strengthening understanding of maritime decarbonisation priorities across the Atlantic Area.

Bringing together Ireland’s maritime community

More than 40 participants attended the workshop. They represented a broad range of organisations from across Ireland’s maritime ecosystem, including ports, shipping and logistics companies, research organisations, technology providers, public authorities and industry bodies.

The event was attended by Sean Canney, Minister of State at Ireland’s Department of Transport, who addressed participants during the launch event. His presence reflected the importance of maritime transport and decarbonisation within Ireland’s broader transport policy agenda.

By bringing together policymakers, industry representatives and research organisations, the workshop provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the challenges and opportunities associated with the sector’s transition towards carbon neutrality.

Setting the scene for discussion

Presentations from Liam Lacey, Daniel Fallen-Bailey and Kate Farrell from IMDO provided an overview of Ireland’s maritime transport sector and its recent performance.

Participants also heard from Professor Noel O’Connor of the INSIGHT Research Centre, who highlighted opportunities linked to digitalisation and innovation in maritime transport.

Together, these contributions helped frame the discussions that followed and provided context on the challenges facing the sector.

Identifying opportunities and challenges

Stakeholder discussions focused on a range of issues affecting the implementation of decarbonisation solutions across maritime transport and port operations.

Participants highlighted challenges linked to access to finance, infrastructure investment, regulatory certainty and the availability of alternative fuels. Discussions also explored opportunities arising from ongoing initiatives supporting green shipping, innovation and digital transformation.

Several developments were identified as particularly relevant for the Irish context, including the establishment of the Onshore Power Supply for Irish Ports Working Group, ongoing work related to Green Shipping Corridors, and upcoming European funding opportunities supporting maritime decarbonisation projects.

The role of digital innovation was also emphasised, with participants recognising the potential contribution of research and technology centres in supporting the sector’s transition.

Supporting SMARTDEC’s future work

The insights gathered during the workshop will contribute to SMARTDEC’s stakeholder mapping activities and help inform future project recommendations. Together with the outcomes from workshops organised across the Atlantic partner countries, the results will support a better understanding of the priorities, challenges and opportunities shaping maritime decarbonisation across the region.