Seafarer Training Overhaul for Safe Decarbonisation: Insights from Lloyd’s Register Consultations
Key Ideas
- A comprehensive overhaul of seafarer training is recommended as the industry shifts towards zero and near zero GHG emission fuels like ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen.
- Consultations highlighted the need for new training and competencies to address safety risks associated with each fuel type, such as toxicity, flammability, and hazard profiles.
- The Maritime Just Transition Task Force will develop detailed competency standards and training frameworks to upskill seafarers for safe interactions with alternative marine fuels.
- Collaboration between industry stakeholders, Lloyd’s Register, UN Global Compact, and IMO aims to ensure a just and equitable transition to decarbonisation in the maritime sector.
A summary report based on over 500 considerations from risk assessment workshops led by Lloyd’s Register’s Maritime Decarbonisation Hub has outlined the need for a significant revamp in seafarer training. The report, produced in collaboration with the Maritime Just Transition Task Force and the United Nations Global Compact, addresses the challenges posed by transitioning to zero and near zero GHG emission fuels in the maritime industry. The workshops focused on ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen as marine fuels, identifying safety risks and the necessary competencies for a safe transition.
The report emphasizes the lack of specific guidelines in the current STCW Convention concerning the safe use of these green fuels, necessitating new training and safety measures. Stakeholder engagements highlighted the unique challenges of each fuel type, such as ammonia's toxicity, methanol's flammability, and hydrogen's hazard profile. Recommendations include emergency response training, updated PPE protocols, and competency standards for seafarers.
The Maritime Just Transition Task Force will work on developing comprehensive competency standards and a training framework to prepare seafarers for handling alternative fuels. The project aims to equip maritime training institutions with the necessary materials for upskilling and reskilling seafarers who will interact with these new fuels. The upcoming milestone includes the release of an Instructor Handbook at MTCC Asia in May 2025, with the World Maritime University leading this phase.
Industry leaders have expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the maritime workforce is prepared for the challenges of decarbonisation. Collaboration between organizations like Lloyd’s Register, UN Global Compact, IMO, and ICS aims to facilitate a smooth transition to alternative fuels while prioritizing safety and competency among seafarers.
Topics
Training
Shipping Industry
Safety Measures
Marine-fuels
IMO Guidelines
Training Framework
Seafarer Competencies
Transition Project
UN Global Compact
Latest News