The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has launched the enhanced Tripartite Maritime Training Award (TMTA) in collaboration with various organizations. This initiative aims to support mid-career individuals in acquiring skills and certifications to serve as 3rd Officers and 5th Engineers. The training duration has been reduced to 22 months.
Sea-Intelligence predicts Africa will be a crucial expansion point for shipping lines due to population growth and economic improvements. MSC plans to deploy 23,000+ TEU vessels on their Asia-WAF ‘Africa Express’ service, increasing nominal capacity significantly. This shift towards larger vessels in West Africa reflects the region’s economic potential and growing demand for maritime services.
The maritime industry is shifting towards sustainability with zero and near-zero greenhouse gas emission fuels like ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen. Seafarers need new skills to handle these “green molecules” safely. The current STCW Convention lacks specific training for these fuels, prompting calls for a comprehensive overhaul. Key competencies and knowledge areas have been identified for seafarers.
Seafarer trainers from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam recently completed intensive training on LNG-fuelled ships in Japan. The workshop focused on safety compliance with the IGF Code, including classroom lectures, simulator trainings, and emergency response exercises. Trainers gained hands-on experience with LNG bunkering simulators to enhance their training programs for seafarers.
Women leaders in Southeast Asia’s maritime sector recently completed an intensive IMO training course on green shipping technologies and digitalization. The program, part of the SMART-C Women Project funded by South Korea, aimed to enhance skills and job opportunities for female professionals in developing countries. Participants gained valuable insights and experiences to drive innovation and sustainability in the industry.
