For Caribbean Small Island Developing States, decarbonising shipping is a critical economic and climate challenge. The region depends on maritime transport for 80% to 90% of imported food and hosts a large share of global cruise traffic, so poorly designed international measures could raise costs and threaten food security. The University of the West Indies Caribbean Shipping Lanes initiative is building the technical capacity, training and regional coordination needed for Caribbean countries to shape fairer global shipping rules and pursue a resilient low-carbon maritime economy.