Raffael Held

Background

About Raffael Held

As Project Director of GIZ's Low Carbon Sea Transport (LCST) initiative in the Marshall Islands, I lead a Marshall Islands´ based transformative partnership that merges maritime engineering with climate justice to redefine sustainable shipping in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Over eight years with GIZ, I've been part in pragmatic innovation—like the SV Juren Ae, the Pacific's first hybrid wind-solar cargo vessel—that cuts fuel use by 80% while preserving cultural heritage and building local skills. Our approach is groundbreaking: we design vessels using industrial-grade components for affordability and ease of maintenance, rejecting costly yachting models. Through the Jela Meto Maritime Training Center, we've trained Marshallese crews—including women breaking traditional barriers—to operate and maintain these systems, embedding sovereignty into every hull. This model has already inspired replication, with the Federated States of Micronesia signing a 2025 Letter of Intent to adopt LCST vessels. Beyond technology, LCST drives systemic change. We've supported RMI's Sustainable Domestic Maritime Transport Roadmap, proving that SIDS can lead climate action. The project's success—measured in emissions reductions, cost savings, and regional partnerships—demonstrates how bilateral cooperation can turn vulnerability into leadership. At GIZ, we measure impact by lives improved: remote islands now access reliable, clean transport; youth gain green maritime careers; and traditional boatbuilding evolves with renewable tech. LCST isn't just about ships—it's a blueprint for equitable decarbonization, showing how SIDS can harness innovation, policy, and community partnership to sail toward resilience.