Training for Decarbonisation

As the maritime industry shifts towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, there is an urgent need to prepare seafarers for handling zero- and near-zero emission fuels. To meet this need, the Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF), in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretariat and with support from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, has undertaken a joint project to develop a Baseline Training Framework for Seafarers in Decarbonisation.

Image Credit: Lloyd’s Register and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) 

The project has produced a training framework developed to support seafarers’ upskilling and to accelerate the safe adoption of zero- and near-zero emission fuels, including an instructor handbook. 


Its purpose is to provide guidance to Maritime Education and Training (MET) institutions in creating programmes that prepare seafarers to operate vessels powered by ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen. The MJTTF is fuel agnostic. These fuels were selected because of their growing relevance in the industry, while they currently lack globally recognized training guidelines. The International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) currently applies only to liquefied natural gas (LNG). 


The primary objective of this project is to develop a course framework that facilitates training in the use of alternative fuels such as ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen. This framework also includes an instructor handbook to guide training institutions in establishing effective ‘train-the-trainer’ programmes.

The Training Frameworks aim to:

  • Provide a competence baseline – a foundation - for personnel involved in fuel-related operations on board.
  • Offer guidance on important aspects that can be adapted to different ship designs and operating conditions, recognizing that a general course cannot cover vessel-specific arrangements. Design and operation of the ships applicable for this course varies.
  • Address the safety considerations of using ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen as fuels.
  • Support the development of advanced course outlines that MET institutions can expand into tailored programmes.

Image Credit: Lloyd’s Register and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) 

The project will also provide a generic familiarization guideline for enhancing the capacity of seafarers and key shore-based personnel and other stakeholders in the maritime sector to work on, or support, ships subject to The International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) and future alternative fuels that might come under the remit of the IGF Code. The document seeks to facilitate shipping companies in the development, revision and upgrade of new and existing familiarisation programmes for seafarers and key shore-based personnel.

Partners and industry involvement

The development of the MJTTF Training Frameworks has been made possible through the invaluable contributions of stakeholders and industry partners. Drawing on the latest knowledge and insights, 12 expert workshops were held to gather technical input and guidance. The Maritime Just Transition Task Force extends its sincere gratitude to all partners for their support and contributions. 


The project has been co-funded by the International Maritime Organization through its Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme, and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, an independent global charity that supports research, innovation and education with a mission to make the world a safer place. 


The core project team responsible for delivering the Baseline Training Framework for Seafarers in Decarbonisation consisted of representatives from the United Nations Global Compact, the International Maritime Organization, the International Chamber of Shipping, the International Transport Workers’ Federation, Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonization Hub (The Decarb Hub) and the World Maritime University.

The MJTTF would like to extend its appreciation to its Programme Partners and Project Supporters for their valuable contributions to our work. This includes:


The Task Force sincerely thanks the MJTTF lead experts for their invaluable insights, which were key to this project’s success.:

  • Matt Dunlop, Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Centre for Zero Carbon Shipping
  • Ksenia Zakariyya, Yara Clean Ammonia
  • Capt. Pol Haboc, Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC) and PHILCAMSAT
  • Andrew Easdown, Ocean Technology Group
  • Andrew Alderson, The Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF)
  •  Peter Nersenst, MAN Energy Solutions
  • Jorgen Kopperstad, Norwegian Hydrogen
  • Arulmani Arunachalam, Shell
  • Prasad Nayak, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management 
  • Jo Tomren, Norwegian Training Centre – Manila
  • Joanna Eugenia Bakouni, Maersk Training


The Task Force is also grateful to the larger ‘Action group’ of the project for sharing their feedback and perspectives from the larger ecosystem within the maritime industry.