Future alternative fuel technologies, such as hydrogen, ammonia, batteries, and biofuels, are expected to introduce new training for all seafarers, in addition to familiarization onboard, specific to the ship they are joining.
To properly operate new technology systems on board and manage new fuels, seafarers will need the necessary skills, knowledge, training, and familiarization.
If not handled properly, this might pose a serious risk to the health and safety of seafarers, ships, communities, and the environment. A 10-point action plan can help industry achieve a Just Transition for Seafarers in shipping’s decarbonization journey, according to a position paper by the Maritime Just Transition Task Force.
3 scenarios and possible training implications
Scenario #1: 50 % reduction in GHG emissions compared to 2008
->300,000 seafarers would require some additional training for alternative fuels and new engines by 2050
Scenario #2: Decarbonization by 2050
-> 750,000 seafarers would require some additional training by 2050
Scenario #3: Zero carbon by 2050
->450,000 seafarers would require some kind of additional training by 2030, and 800,000 seafarers by the mid-2030s
10 key actions to de-risk shipping’s green transition
- Ensure Just Transition planning aligns with global labour standards
- Champion ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’ on board ships
- Focus on a health and safety-first approach
- Establish consensus to unlock training
- Support seafarer career pathways
- Address attrition and recruitment
- Invest in skills that support the green transition
- Update obsolete competencies and knowledge
- Deliver equitable training models for all seafarers
- Monitor additional skills in need to handle alternative fuel
