Singapore's MPA brings partners on board to expand mariner training on new fuels

The MoU will adhere to the goals set out in IMO’s revised greenhouse gas strategy 2023, the Paris Agreement, and international energy and climate targets. The partners said they will collaborate across various sustainability initiatives aimed at promoting the safe use of maritime fuels such as biofuels, methanol and low or zero-carbon ammonia through a phased approach. 

Both parties will discuss maritime training programmes for seafarers on ammonia-fuelled vessels and other sustainability-related skills and competencies to support the industry’s transition towards alternative low or zero-carbon fuels, including leadership programmes for local professionals.

As a major bunkering and a maritime hub port, Singapore is looking at introducing alternative fuels and enhancing manpower development. Earlier this year, the MPA and other industry partners trialled the use of ammonia as a fuel using Singapore-flagged Fortescue Green Pioneer, a converted platform supply vessel. 

MPA chief executive Teo Eng Dih called it “a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between MPA and NYK.”

“MPA looks forward to our partnership with NYK to unlock our collective potential and develop solutions that can be scaled up to benefit the global maritime community in the move towards smart and sustainable shipping.”

NYK president and chief executive Takaya Soga said, “We have begun ammonia-fuel-related business development including bunkering projects, endorsing the Singapore government’s initiative on ammonia.”

“Singapore plays a significant role in the maritime industry as the world’s largest hub port for transhipment and bunkering. We are delighted to conclude this MoU with MPA as we share the same goals. This MoU will accelerate co-operation between MPA and NYK and contribute to the sustainable development of the maritime industry.”

Finnish technology group Wärtsilä will also help support Singapore’s push for improving manpower development. The company has supplied its new dual-fuel engine simulator technology to the city state’s Wavelink Maritime Institute (WMI) to help prepare crew for shipping’s push to use newer fuels. WMI, the maritime training arm of the Singapore Maritime Officer’s Union, helps train marine personnel.  

Sustainable fuels will play an integral role in the maritime industry’s goal of achieving net zero in shipping by 2050. However, an important part of this transition requires crew to be upskilled to handle these new and alternative fuels.

These simulators include a virtual reality element to replicate realistic scenarios with different fuels and engine types. They also incorporate cloud-based simulation combined with Wavelink’s own learning management system to provide blended learning experiences.

The simulation suite includes a full-mission bridge with 270° visualisation, and a part-task bridge with 120° visualisation for ultimate hands-on ship handling training in compliance with international standards. The technical simulators include full-mission and multi-functional network classroom set-ups for engineroom and liquid cargo handling training. 

Wärtsilä has partnered with WMI since 2014 with the launch of a maritime simulation centre, including a class of 16 workstations. An integrated engineroom and liquid cargo handling simulator class of 20 workstations was also delivered for training engineering watchkeeping personnel.