The maritime industry is embarking on a bold journey towards sustainability, with zero and near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission fuels like ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen promising a cleaner future. However, these “green molecules” bring unique safety challenges, necessitating a transformation in seafarer training and competencies.
Currently, the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention do not adequately address the specific competencies required for handling these fuels. Recognizing this, the Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF) has released a groundbreaking report calling for a comprehensive overhaul of training frameworks to ensure a safe and effective transition.
Several of the high-level Knowledge, Understanding and Proficiency’s that need to be addressed relating to the development of training frameworks for seafarers working on ships subject to propulsion with ammonia, methanol and hydrogen as fuels are presented below. For more competencies and details, please review the report here
Ammonia
Competency
Familiarity with physical and chemical properties, including hazards of fuels.
Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency
Thermodynamics of a liquefied gas, liquid-to-gas expansion ratio, cooling properties and release characteristics. Ammonia toxic thresholds limits to humans and exposure routes. Flammability profile. Hygroscopic, corrosive and caustic properties of ammonia. Exothermic reaction with water.
Competency
Application of occupational health, safety precautions and measures, including prevention of hazards.
Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency
Safety risk analysis and hierarchy of controls. Preventive and mitigating safety measures. Safe job analysis and safety protocols.
Competency
Knowledge of the prevention, control, fire-fighting and extinguishing systems.
Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency
Preventive and mitigating safety barriers to control ammonia vapour ignition in the confined space. Response to ammonia fire, including use of fire-fighting equipment and PPE.
Methanol
Competency
Familiarity with physical and chemical properties, including hazards of fuels
Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency
Chemical composition, boiling and flash point, vapour density, toxicity and other hazards
Competency
Application of occupational health, safety precautions and measures, including prevention of hazards
Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency
Risk assessment and hierarchy of controls, knowledge of safe working practices and good housekeeping.
Competency
Knowledge of the prevention, control, fire-fighting and extinguishing systems
Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency
Flammability including that of methanol-water mixtures, fire-fighting equipment and emergency shutoff procedures
Competency
Undertake precautions to prevent pollution of the environment from the release of fuels
Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency
Spill response and containment measures, action in the event of marine pollution.
Hydrogen
Competency
Familiarity with physical and chemical properties, including hazards of fuels
Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency
Physical, chemical and hazardous properties of compressed (CH2) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) properties.
Competency
Application of occupational health, safety precautions and measures, including prevention of hazards
Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency
Function and calibration of gas measuring instruments, leak and flame detection devices
Competency
Knowledge of the prevention, control, fire-fighting and extinguishing systems
Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency
Fire organization, the unique hazards of hydrogen fuel systems, fuel handling, ventilation and vapour ignition.
Competency
Undertake precautions to prevent pollution of the environment from the release of fuels
Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency
Shipboard spill/leakage/venting response procedures, PPE to use when dealing with CH2 and LH2 incidents.
