New Reports Address Seafarer Upskilling Needs for Ammonia Fuel

Lloyd’s Register’s Maritime Decarbonisation Hub and Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping have released new reports to address the upskilling needs of an estimated 800,000 future seafarers as the maritime industry transitions to alternative fuels. With a focus on the growing popularity of ammonia as a promising alternative fuel, the reports highlight the unique hazards associated with ammonia, such as toxicity, flammability, and material incompatibility, and the importance of handling it safely and responsibly.

The reports emphasize the need to address the challenges posed by ammonia in seafarer training beyond the current frameworks outlined by the International Maritime Organization. They provide a roadmap for preparing seafarers for ammonia-fuelled ship operations, detailing regulatory requirements, basic and advanced competencies, and role-specific training for onboard and shore-based personnel. The proposed framework aligns with STCW specifications and breaks down competency standards into knowledge, understanding, and proficiencies areas.

In response to industry acceptance surveys revealing a willingness to work on ammonia-fueled vessels, the reports call for comprehensive training programs to ensure seafarer safety. They recommend interventions in competency and training areas, urging shipping companies to conduct gap analyses, regulators to incorporate ammonia-related safety measures into global training standards, and training providers to develop transition journeys and practical training with ammonia. The collaboration’s latest report represents Phase 3 of the partnership, following earlier studies on vessel design, operations, and human factors for ammonia-fueled vessels.

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