Training tech critical for the green transition

CSmart is at the forefront of training the next generation of officers for cruise ships as the industry strives to lower its environmental footprint.

Its key instructor in specialist electrical systems Andrea Macorini explained the importance of training and the centre’s simulator suites for developing seafarers in a greener cruise shipping sector.

This includes developing electrical courses and using simulators to teach chief engineers and navigators, he said during an interview at Riviera Maritime Media’s Maritime Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cells Conference 2023 in Bergen, Norway.

Mr Macorini said cruise ships are running on LNG fuels and some have batteries on board to reduce need to generate power for hotel loads at sea. Cruise ships are also being built ready to use methanol fuel to reduce emissions.

CSmart is working with Corvus Energy to develop safety training courses based on batteries and fuel cells as technologies continue to advance and regulations are updated.

“Our courses need to follow developments in new regulations and safety behind these new technologies,” said Mr Macorini. “Everything concerning low-voltage installations on ferries and workboats will be applicable to high-voltage installations on cruise ships,” Mr Macorini said. “In the future, there will be ships with DC grids, fuel cells, batteries and probably hydrogen.”