From 17-18 December, the World Maritime University (WMU) delivered a Train-the-Trainer program designed to equip maritime educators with the essential knowledge and pedagogical skills necessary to effectively train seafarers on alternative fuels, including ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen.
The training is a key component of the “Baseline Training Framework for Seafarers in Decarbonization” project, commissioned by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJT-TF). The aim is to develop a baseline training framework to equip seafarers with the skills required as the shipping industry transitions to zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Moreover, the training was delivered to 26 WMU MSc students who are maritime professionals specializing in Maritime Education and Training (MET) and Maritime Energy Management (MEM). In addition, the program covered an introduction to alternative fuels, focusing on their properties, environmental impacts, and training methodologies tailored to seafarers and shore-based personnel. An in-depth exploration followed regarding safety protocols, emergency responses, and advanced bunkering procedures related to ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen.
The training materials used in the program are aligned with research outcomes of the previous project phase, namely the MJT consolidated report, including the list of competencies and knowledge, understanding, and proficiency that are suggested for seafarers to safely operate alternative-fueled ships.
Furthermore, the project is a collaborative effort involving numerous stakeholders, such as the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), and Lloyd’s Register Foundation.
As the global maritime sector intensifies efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the adoption of alternative fuels has become a critical component of achieving sustainability targets. The Train-the-Trainer program delivered at WMU is one of the steps to deepen understanding of training in alternative fuels.
