With the IMO’s 2023 GHG strategy setting an ambitious milestone to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, shipowners are making early decisions on alternative fuel choices for their fleets. While some tanker operators have experience transporting fuels like ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen, there remains a knowledge gap regarding the safe bunkering of these alternative fuels. Recognizing this, The Nautical Institute has introduced an interim Training Standard for Handling Alternative Fuels in the Maritime Sector to guide training providers and seafarers.
Filling the Gap: An Interim Solution
The new training standard is designed to bridge the gap between the first vessels running on alternative fuels and the development of formal STCW competency requirements for these fuels. Acknowledging the industry’s evolving nature, this voluntary standard offers broad guidelines for developing safe and effective training programs.
The standard includes a 10-part scheme of work to help training providers establish learning programs that build seafarers’ knowledge and skills for safely handling alternative fuel bunkering procedures.
CEO’s Perspective
Capt John Lloyd FNI, CEO of The Nautical Institute, emphasized that this standard does not replace upcoming STCW requirements but serves as interim guidance. He noted:
“This standard doesn’t replace the STCW requirements that will be established in the coming years. Rather it seeks to offer interim support that bridges the gap until that time and, having been designed as a living document, it will be able to evolve with industry best practice.”
Capt Lloyd also highlighted The Nautical Institute’s commitment to professionalism, competence, and safety within the maritime industry, adding that the training standard is available free of charge to promote safety across the sector.
Access the Standard
For maritime training providers and institutions interested in implementing this guidance, The Nautical Institute offers the Training Standard for Handling Alternative Fuels in the Maritime Sector as a free download to support the maritime industry’s transition toward zero and near-zero GHG emission technologies. This resource aims to equip seafarers with the necessary skills for a sustainable and safer future in marine operations.
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Source: The Nautical Institute
