Partnering for Greater Impact: Ocean Impact Organisation & Maritime Emissions Reduction Coalition Unite
SYDNEY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2024
Elisa-Marie Dumas is OIO’s Head of Global Programs. In this post, she discusses why joining the Maritime Emissions Reduction Coalition (MERC) as their first Partner is a valuable step towards helping decarbonise Australia’s maritime sector.
I’m incredibly excited to share that Ocean Impact Organisation (OIO) has signed a strategic partnership with the Maritime Emissions Reduction Coalition (MERC). This is a huge step in our journey to transform ocean health and support sustainable innovation in the blue economy. This partnership is built on a shared vision, one where we combine forces to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the ocean and maritime industries.
As I reflect on OIO’s work specifically this past year, I am reminded of how crucial it is to find partners who are not only strategically aligned, but also share our values and mission. That’s why this partnership with MERC is so important. It isn’t just about working together to decarbonise the maritime sector — although that’s a key piece of it. It’s about coming together with like-minded collaborators to amplify what we can achieve as a collective. When we align with partners who share our mission, the impact we can generate together is so much deeper, broader, and ultimately more meaningful than anything we could accomplish alone.
Shared Goals, Shared Impact
MERC, like OIO, is dedicated to innovation and sustainability. They’ve been working tirelessly to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia’s maritime sector, which is no small feat. What struck me most about MERC is its holistic approach. They bring together players from so many critical sectors — maritime, manufacturing, energy, finance, government, and beyond — to create real, systemic change.
That’s the kind of partnership we’re always looking for at OIO. We want to work with people and organisations who believe, like we do, that solving big challenges requires collaboration across industries, sectors, and borders.
We're in good company. Hullbot — one of OIO's portfolio companies and alumni — is a founding Member of MERC.
Why This Partnership Matters
With MERC as a partner, we’re gaining access to an incredible network of industry experts. Their insights and connections will allow us to better support the ocean impact startups in our programs — especially those that are working on solutions in areas like maritime electrification, sustainable shipping, and other blue economy innovations.
We’re also excited about the collaborative opportunities this brings. Together, we’ll be able to co-develop innovation and research projects that align with OIO’s commercialisation initiatives. By pooling our resources and knowledge, we can create more effective and scalable solutions that truly move the needle on maritime decarbonisation.
But beyond that, this partnership means we can be stronger advocates for the ocean impact businesses we support. MERC has been doing important work in advocating with governments and regulators for industry change, and now, together, we can push for even greater action on sustainability and decarbonisation at a policy level.
A Collective Force for Good
What I’ve come to realise through leading OIO’s global programs is that no single organisation can drive the type of large-scale, systemic change that the ocean needs. It requires a collective effort, with each partner bringing their own strengths to the table. That’s why partnerships like this one with MERC are so important. When we unite with partners who share our mission, we unlock new opportunities, create a stronger ecosystem, and generate impact that is truly transformative.
For OIO, this partnership is more than just an exciting next step — it’s an affirmation that we’re on the right path. We’re bringing together the innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who will shape the future of ocean health. With MERC, we’re making sure that the solutions these startups bring to life can scale and thrive within a supportive, connected industry.
This is just the beginning of what I know will be an impactful collaboration. Together, we’ll explore new ways to accelerate the decarbonisation of the maritime industry, unlock funding for ocean-related ventures, and create a future where a healthy ocean and a thriving maritime sector can coexist.
Stay tuned as we continue this journey! We’re just getting started, and I can’t wait to share more of what we accomplish together.
About MERC
MERC is a for-purpose innovation cluster, uniting leading organisations in the maritime, manufacturing, energy, finance, government, and education sectors to drive emissions reduction in the Australian maritime industry for a greener, more sustainable future.
About OIO
Ocean Impact Organisation (OIO) helps startups make their greatest impact through funding and growth opportunities. Headquartered in Australia with a focus on the Asia-Pacific, our commercialisation programs and support initiatives accelerate the best solutions to transform ocean health.
At the forefront of the ocean health innovation ecosystem, OIO is passionately driving impact and investment into the rapidly emerging sustainable blue economy. Visit the website for more information: ocean-impact.org
