Tom Barlow-BrownA new report from the Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF), supported by Lloyd’s Register’s (LR) Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, identifies the urgent need to overhaul seafarer training to ensure safety in the use of zero and near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission fuels.
The report, produced in collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Ocean Stewardship Coalition, summarises findings from 12 risk assessment workshops involving over 100 industry stakeholders.
Natassa Kouvertari, Senior Lead for Human Competency at LR’s Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, explained the importance of these efforts: ‘This report crystallises the industry’s views on the competencies and frameworks needed for the safe deployment of ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen onboard ships. It establishes a foundation for regulators and industry to make informed, equitable decisions for a just transition for seafarers.’
The report highlights specific safety challenges associated with using ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen as marine fuels, noting that current training standards, such as the STCW Convention, do not yet cover these alternative fuels comprehensively. The workshops identified critical risks and necessary updates to training standards for each fuel type
According to the new study, each fuel poses unique safety challenges which require specialised knowledge and new protocols. For ammonia, its high toxicity demands extensive emergency response training, updated personal protective equipment (PPE) standards, and additional process safety measures. Methanol’s high flammability necessitates enhanced fire detection and safety protocols, alongside training on its toxic and corrosive properties. Hydrogen introduces its own specific challenges, particularly with flame detection, requiring upgraded fire safety systems and PPE protocols to ensure safe handling.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and International Transport Worker’s Federation also collaborated on the report. ‘It is critical that seafarers who work on ships propelled by future fuels, do so in a safe manner,’ said Arvind Natrajan, Senior Manager, Crewing & Training, Marine Department, ICS.
‘The recommendations from this report will go a long way towards developing a baseline training framework and to support maritime education and training institutes who will have to deliver this training.’
The project aims to draft a ‘Baseline Training Framework for Seafarers in Decarbonisation’ that will guide maritime institutions in training and reskilling seafarers. This will include competency standards and an instructor handbook, to be released in 2025.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has also expressed commitment to this initiative. Deputy Director Ismael Cobos Delgado commented, ‘IMO is committed to preparing the maritime workforce for new fuels with differing hazards and operational challenges, critical to meeting our GHG reduction goals.’
The MJTTF’s next steps include further development of a training framework and presenting updates at the IMO to contribute to the ongoing review of the STCW standards. The project is funded by the IMO’s GHG Trust Fund and Lloyd’s Register Foundation.
Image: International Maritime Organization
Rhys Berry
