The UK Tug industry’s reaction to recent challenges has sparked reflection and collaboration. Following a pivotal report, representatives quietly devised a strategic plan emphasizing leadership. However, creating unified best practices proves complex, given the varied development of conventional towage across regions. Upcoming guidelines and training initiatives aim to enhance safety and operational standards.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal met Japan’s Vice Minister Terada Yoshimichi in Oslo to strengthen maritime cooperation. They discussed shipbuilding, port digitalization, green initiatives, and transforming Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep into Smart Islands. Sonowal emphasized India’s eagerness for joint ventures and proposed training programs for Indian seafarers to support Japan’s maritime needs.
Gateway Terminals India (GTI), also known as APM Terminals Mumbai, has joined hands with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Vadhvan Project Ltd. (VPPL) to create a skills training program for the port sector. This collaboration aims to boost employment opportunities and diversity in the industry, in line with the government’s focus on skill development.
Quadrant Marine Institute offers a unique opportunity for those interested in a career in BC’s marine industry. The We Float Boats! program provides free training, paid placement, and real skills for youth aged 16 to 29. Participants gain hands-on experience, industry certifications, and job shadowing opportunities to kickstart their careers in the marine trades.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is spearheading a project to modernize seafarer training in the UK, aiming to set a gold standard for safer and greener shipping globally. UK submissions to the IMO’s HTW sub-committee have been accepted for consideration as a major amendment to the STCW convention.
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.
Kolkata Port has launched a state-of-the-art Navigational Simulator to improve training for pilots and maritime professionals on the challenging River Hooghly. Developed at a cost of Rs 60 lakhs by ARI with guidance from IIT Madras, the simulator will provide realistic training scenarios to enhance skills and efficiency in vessel navigation.
Nearly three years after a tragic incident resulting in the deaths of three stevedores, the UK’s MAIB calls for improved training and safety regulations for enclosed space management. The report highlights the need for enhanced training and emergency drills for shore workers and stevedores to prevent future fatalities in the maritime industry.
Anglo-Eastern has inaugurated a new LNG/ammonia bunkering station skid at Mumbai Maritime Academy on February 20, 2025, enhancing training for safe fueling of LNG- and ammonia-powered vessels. This advanced facility aims to equip industry professionals with essential skills in handling emerging fuels, promoting maritime safety and sustainability amid rising demand.
The International Maritime Organization’s HTW sub-committee has drafted interim guidelines for training seafarers on ships using alternative fuels. Recognizing safety risks, these guidelines aim to address the growing use of sustainable fuels. Additionally, the NextWave Seafarers project seeks to combat seafarer shortages by offering training opportunities to cadets from developing nations.
Lloyd’s Register’s Maritime Decarbonisation Hub and Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping have released reports addressing the upskilling needs of future seafarers in the transition to alternative fuels. Focusing on ammonia as a promising fuel, the reports highlight safety hazards and propose comprehensive training programs to ensure seafarer safety.
Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has expanded its reach by opening a new Maritime Training Centre (MTC) in Ghana, offering courses for cadets, officers, ratings, and hospitality crew. This move strengthens BSM’s ties with the Regional Maritime University and demonstrates their commitment to developing African seafarers to meet the growing demand in the region.
The NextWave Seafarers Project, led by IMO and KSA, aims to address global seafarer shortage by providing training to 20 cadets from LDCs and SIDS through Bahri Shipping Line. It aims to promote gender diversity, create a talent pipeline, and inspire similar programs worldwide. Collaboration is invited to build a resilient maritime workforce.
The Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University and Vadhvan Port Project Ltd have partnered to provide skill-based training for students, focusing on the operational needs of Vadhvan Port. This collaboration aims to create more job opportunities and equip students with the necessary skills for the maritime industry.
The foundation stone for the Centre of Excellence building at the Indian Maritime University was laid by Dr. Malini V Shankar. The construction is set to be completed by July 2025, overseen by university officials and CPWD’s Chief Engineer. The center aims to promote research, training, and industry partnerships in the maritime sector.
