A cross-sector consortium led by ship.energy, in partnership with DFDS, IBIA, and the University of Plymouth, has secured funding under the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (Round 6).
The initiative, titled “Skills 4 Future Maritime Fuels”, aims to address critical training needs in the transition to low- and zero-carbon marine fuels.
Backed by UK SHORE to Drive Sustainable Growth
The project is supported through UK SHORE, under the Department for Transport, with Innovate UK as the main delivery partner. UK SHORE focuses on reducing maritime emissions while fostering economic development across the UK by supporting diverse decarbonisation approaches.
Focus: Bridging the Skills Gap in Maritime Energy Transition
The initiative will tackle one of the sector’s biggest challenges: upskilling the maritime workforce—onboard crews, port personnel, and the fuel supply chain—to handle alternative fuels safely and in compliance with regulations. It will involve:
-
Phase 1: Skills gap analysis
-
Phase 2: Development of modular training programmes
-
Phase 3: Real-world pilot testing
Industry Voices Emphasize Urgency and Impact
Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes (ship.energy CEO) stressed “There is no doubt that there is an urgent requirement for the current and future maritime workforce to have access to comprehensive, fully accredited training that will give them the skills they need to work safely with new marine fuels and to develop their careers in an industry which is fully committed to achieving its energy transition. As the pace of decarbonisation accelerates, we must ensure that the training of onboard and shoreside workers is in step with technological innovation and regulatory developments.”
Alexander Prokopakis (IBIA Executive Director) highlighted
“IBIA is proud to be part of this forward-looking initiative, which directly supports the safe and effective transition to low- and zero-carbon marine fuels. As the global voice of the marine fuels industry, we are committed to driving skills development across the sector. Equipping both onboard and onshore professionals with the knowledge and competencies required to navigate the complexities of the energy transition is essential.
“This project reflects our commitment to practical, regulatory-aligned solutions and collaborative industry progress on decarbonisation.”
Gemma Griffin (DFDS VP) affirmed that
“We’re thrilled to be part of the Skills 4 Future Maritime Fuels project – a fantastic initiative that helps us prepare our people for the future of maritime. As we continue to invest in greener vessels and cleaner energy solutions, it’s vital that our teams have the right knowledge and confidence to work safely and effectively with new technologies.
“This project perfectly supports our ambition to cut CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030 and reach climate neutrality by 2050. At DFDS, we believe our people are at the heart of this journey – and with the right skills, they’ll help steer the industry toward a more sustainable future.”
The Skills 4 Future Maritime Fuels project represents a strategic push toward a greener, safer maritime future—ensuring that workforce readiness matches the pace of innovation in sustainable shipping fuels.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: SMI
