A seafarer training framework for decarbonisation

ICS senior marine advisor Arvind Natrajan, a seasoned mariner, shed light on the importance of this endeavour. With a career spanning from cadet to Captain, the latter on specialised chemical tankers, Capt Natrajan provided insight into the reasons for forming the Task Force.

Collaboration lies at the heart of the initiative, with ICS partnering with the International Transport Workers’ Federation and the United Nations organisations: Global Compact, IMO and the International Labour Organization. In addition, and vital to the project, are a range of major shipping companies and classification societies which are key contributors to the project.

The focal point of the initiative is to develop comprehensive training standards for seafarers, ensuring they possess the requisite skills to operate vessels powered by alternative fuels. Capt Natrajan emphasised the necessity of a unified approach, stating, "We want seafarers to have one certification for all types of fuel on ships."

Addressing the challenges posed by each alternative fuel, Capt Natrajan highlighted the need for specialised training due to their unique characteristics. For instance, ammonia’s toxicity requires stringent safety protocols, while hydrogen’s storage demands specialised handling. "Each of these fuels has specific peculiarities," Capt Natrajan remarked, underscoring the complexity of the task at hand.

Despite scepticism from some quarters, Capt Natrajan remains optimistic about the initiative’s prospects. "We have slowly gained traction," he remarked, emphasising the importance of industry buy-in for the initiative’s sustainability.

Crucially, the initiative aims to ensure a just and equitable transition for all stakeholders, including seafarers from developing nations. Capt Natrajan outlined plans to provide resources and training to maritime institutes in regions such as southeast Asia, enabling them to meet international standards.

Looking ahead, Capt Natrajan emphasised the urgency of the project and stressed the need for parallel development alongside regulatory processes, ensuring seafarers are equipped to navigate the transition to alternative fuels seamlessly.

The Task Force is arranging workshops and other initiatives worldwide and Capt Natrajan will explain the details and timeline, and take question on the project at the International Chemical & Product Tanker Conference, held 23-24 April 2024 in London.