- A new report highlights the need to overhaul seafarer training standards as the shipping industry shifts to alternative fuels.
- The Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF), Lloyd’s Register’s Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, and the UN Global Compact led this initiative, with support from the IMO.
- Fuels like ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen each present unique safety and operational risks, requiring specialized training.
- Over 500 stakeholder inputs from risk assessment workshops have shaped the report’s recommendations for comprehensive training updates.
A recent report from Lloyd’s Register’s Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, in partnership with the Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF) and the UN Global Compact, emphasizes the need for an extensive update in seafarer training standards as the maritime industry transitions to zero and near-zero GHG emission fuels. Supported by the IMO, this project brings together insights from over 500 stakeholders to identify critical safety and operational gaps in current training protocols, as alternative fuels like ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen introduce distinct health and safety challenges.
Necessity for Updated Training Standards
The report points to the limitations in current Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), which lack specific guidelines for handling new green fuels. Through risk assessment workshops, industry experts identified significant knowledge gaps that could affect crew safety during this energy transition. Enhanced training protocols and updated personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines are considered essential for safely handling each of these fuels.
Fuel-Specific Safety Considerations:
Each fuel type requires distinct training and safety measures:
- Ammonia: Due to its toxicity, comprehensive emergency response training, updated PPE standards, and enhanced process safety measures are recommended.
- Methanol: Methanol’s high flammability and corrosive properties require new fire detection methods and protective protocols.
- Hydrogen: Known for its challenging flame detection, hydrogen demands advanced fire safety systems and specific PPE adjustments.
Development of Competency Standards
The MJTTF training project aims to establish detailed competency standards and a training framework that maritime academies can use to implement these changes effectively. A rollout of an Instructor Handbook is planned for 2025, providing resources for upskilling seafarers on these emerging energy sources.
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Source: Lloyd’s Register
