Crew training and development for shipping decarbonisation

The maritime industry, a backbone of global trade and transportation, is currently navigating a sea of challenges that stem from growing environmental concerns. One of the most pressing issues is the industry’s greenhouse gasses (GHG) emissions, especially carbon, and its subsequent impact on the environment and global warming.

Regulatory frameworks and industry response

As explained, the maritime industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce emissions and operate sustainably in response to these concerns. In its effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the industry has adopted environmental regulations which include the following:

1. MARPOL Annex VI: The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex VI is a key international treaty that addresses air pollution from ships. It includes regulations on emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other air pollutants.
2. IMO 2023 Revised GHG Strategy on GHG Emissions: Which sets an aim of 30% of emission reduction by 2030, 70% by 2040, and ultimately achieving zero emissions by 2050.
3. Ship Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI): The EEXI is a regulatory measure aimed at improving the energy efficiency of existing ships. It requires ships to meet specified energy efficiency levels, and non-compliant vessels may need to undertake modifications or operational changes to achieve compliance.
4. Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII): The CII is part of the regulatory framework under MARPOL Annex VI and measures a ship’s energy efficiency relative to its transportation work (e.g., cargo carried and distance traveled). It sets specific reduction factors that ships must achieve to meet the required level of energy efficiency.
5. Data Collection System: The IMO has implemented a data collection system that requires ships of a certain size to report their annual fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and other relevant information to the IMO. This data collection system provides valuable insights and helps monitor progress toward reducing emissions.
6. Regional and National Regulations: In addition to international regulations, various countries and regions have implemented their own regulations to address GHG emissions from ships. For example, the European Union’s Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system and the United States’ Clean Air Act are examples of regional and national regulations that impact shipping emissions.

How regulations and energy transition impact training

As the result of a need for reducing emissions, the maritime industry is undergoing a radical shift. New parameters that seafarers need to be familiarised with include:

• Energy saving devices: Introduction of devices such as propeller boss cap fins, frequency-controlled pumps and fans and shaft generators
• Performance: There are also technologies that impact the performance of a vessel such as hull and propeller monitoring and weather routing and voyage optimization
• Fuels: Alternative fuels such as LNG, biofuels, methanol, ammonia, LPG, ethanol, and nuclear

However, there is still the serious matter that seafarers are not trained to handle alternative fuels and are not aware of the safety risks associated with using them. As a result, there should be training available where seafarers are upskilled to handle new fuels. Unfortunately, it is not that straightforward.

There are various aspects and challenges that need to be addressed before any short of proper training on alternative fuels can be established. Challenges that need to be addressed include:

#1 Regulatory framework

The challenges associated with upskilling seafarers include the lack of regulatory frameworks for certain alternative fuels. For instance, Maersk and Hong Lam Marine successfully conducted the world’s first ship-to-containership methanol bunkering this July in Singapore, but there were no regulations regarding the operation. The entire operation was based on suggested best practices and whatever experience the individual possessed.

#2 Expertise

Concrete training and upskilling of seafarers require a proper regulatory framework. Alas, regulation is no good on its own. Proper expertise on the subject is also required to develop the training based on the regulations.

#3 Experience

Another important factor in developing this training is experience and actual exposure to these technologies. Instructors need to be aware of what they are teaching and have experience on the matter.

#4 Infrastructure

Furthermore, there is also the issue of infrastructure. Nevertheless, new technologies such as simulators and AR/VR tools can aid the in the effort to train individuals.

#5 Motivation

Seafarers need to understand that training on new fuels is a necessity. Alternative fuel use is the new reality for the maritime industry and there is no way to stop change or go around it. Not training on these fuels will compromise not only their career but also their very safety.

For every question there is an answer

In order for the industry to move forward with training on the subject of new fuels, first and foremost regulators must set clear guidelines and achievable goals. It is no longer a matter of theoretical nature, but a reality. As a result, a timeline needs to be established where the industry can adopt and achieved the goals set.

Secondly, this is not a one man’s job but the effort of a whole industry. Consequently, there is an urgent need for collaboration which can greatly aid. For example, one entity can compensate any limitations that another entity has, as they both ultimately strive for the same goal.

Regarding motivation, it needs to be said that it should not be limited to people onboard but also be provided to people onshore. There needs to be appropriate support for the crew when the are puzzled on how to handle a situation regarding new fuels. Additionally, trainers themselves need to be trained, in order to deal with this novel landscape.

Lastly, there is no sustainable way of going around the lack of infrastructure, other than actually developing so people can apply what they have been learning.

Overall, the maritime industry finds itself at a pivotal moment in history, facing pressure from regulators, consumers, and public opinion to reduce emissions and operate sustainably. The transition to alternative fuels is not only an ethical imperative but also a strategic opportunity for those willing to embrace change.

As the industry charts its course to sustainability, the importance of training, infrastructure development, and regulatory clarity cannot be overstated. The path forward requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to ensure a successful and environmentally conscious future for the maritime sector.

The views presented are only those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.

Above article is a transcript from Donnie Bagang’s presentation during the 2023 SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum with minor edits for clarification purposes.

Explore more by watching his video presentation here below