The Maritime Just Transition Task Force released a new report calling for improved seafarer training to ensure safe decarbonisation of shipping.
Over 500 considerations suggest a comprehensive overhaul of seafarer training is required as the industry transitions to zero and near zero GHG emission fuels.
These are the outcomes of a summary report, which was produced by the Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF), in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register’s (LR) Maritime Decarbonisation Hub and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Ocean Stewardship Coalition.
The report marks the completion of the first milestone of the MJTTF training project for the development of a baseline training framework to equip seafarers with the skills required to safely use ammonia, methanol and hydrogen as marine fuels.
The report is a summary of the consultations made by over 100 stakeholders during 12 hybrid risk assessment workshops, which took place earlier this year.
The workshops focused on the use of ammonia, methanol and hydrogen as marine fuels to gather the industry perceptions on the necessary changes for seafarers transitioning from conventional fuel oil operations to zero and near zero energy sources for ships’ propulsion.
Moreover, the workshops identified the most significant safety risks associated with each fuel in scope and the new or modified training and competencies required for such a transition to be safe and effective, putting the seafarer at its core.
Considerations on ammonia highlighted its toxicity as a major challenge and alluded to comprehensive training on emergency response procedures, alongside new PPE standards and process safety measures.
Similarly for methanol, key concerns included the fuel’s high flammability, requiring new fire detection methods and updated personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols. Detailed training on methanol’s toxic properties and corrosivity will also be necessary in the next phase of the transition.
Furthermore, for hydrogen, considerations focused on issues such as flame detection and enhanced fire safety systems that would be vital for the crew, while repeating the need for new PPE protocols to be introduced to fully address hydrogen’s hazard profile.
A roll-out of the Instructor Handbook to accompany the training framework is scheduled to take place in MTCC Asia in May 2025. The roll-out will be led by the World Maritime University (WMU), who lead this upcoming milestone as project partners.
As the maritime industry undergoes a monumental shift toward alternative fuels and sustainable technologies, the importance of seafarers has never been clearer. This new report underscores a critical need for seafarer upskilling and training.
…said Kulsoom Jafri, Lead Campaigner for Seafarers and Inland Navigation, ITF.
The project is co-funded by the IMO through its technical cooperation funding, including the IMO GHG TC Trust Fund, and Lloyd’s Register Foundation.
