Revolutionizing Seafarer Training for Zero Emission Marine Fuels
Key Ideas
- Over 500 considerations from cross-sector consultations call for a comprehensive overhaul of seafarer training to prepare for the use of ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen as marine fuels.
- The Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF) in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register and the UN Global Compact led the initiative to develop a baseline training framework for seafarers.
- The report highlights the unique challenges and hazards of zero and near zero GHG emission fuels and emphasizes the need for specialized training and safety measures for crew members.
- Stakeholder engagements will lead to the development of competency standards and training materials to upskill seafarers in handling hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol as marine fuels by May 2025.
The Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF) in partnership with Lloyd's Register and the United Nations Global Compact conducted a series of risk assessment workshops involving over 500 stakeholders to address the need for a significant revamp in seafarer training as the maritime industry shifts towards zero and near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission fuels. The outcomes of the workshops emphasized the importance of equipping seafarers with the necessary skills to safely handle ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen as marine fuels. The current Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention lack guidelines for these green molecules, necessitating the development of new training frameworks. Workshops identified safety risks associated with each fuel and the required competencies for a smooth transition, focusing on issues like toxicity, flammability, and flame detection for ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen respectively. The MJTTF training project aims to create detailed competency standards and training materials to prepare seafarers effectively. The report launch at Seatrade Maritime CrewConnect Global in Manila marks the completion of the first milestone. The initiative has received support from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and other key industry players. The project is expected to lead to a safer and more sustainable maritime industry by ensuring seafarers are well-trained to handle the challenges posed by new marine fuels.