As the maritime industry shifts towards zero or near-zero emission fuels, there is an urgent need for trained personnel capable of operating these vessels. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced plans to establish the Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) to bridge the current competency gap. This initiative is supported by 22 partners, including marine engine manufacturers, international organizations, and higher education institutions, and was formalized through a Letter of Intent signed at the opening of Singapore Maritime Week 2024.
METF aims to develop a decentralized network of training facilities in Singapore, equipped with advanced simulators for dual-fuel marine engines. These simulators will prepare seafarers for safe handling, bunkering, and incident management using alternative fuels like methanol and ammonia. Key facilities include a dual-fuel engine simulator, integrated engine room and bridge simulators, and emergency response training setups for gas and fire safety. Around 10,000 seafarers are expected to be trained at METF, with training programs gradually rolling out by 2026.
In addition to risk management and bunkering training, the Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA) is launching one of Asia Pacific’s first accredited methanol handling courses. This course includes essential safety protocols developed after Singapore’s inaugural methanol bunkering operation in July 2023, complete with practical firefighting components.
The METF is synchronized with broader efforts like the Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF), which focuses on decarbonizing shipping. MPA plans to contribute to the MJTTF’s Baseline Training Framework for Seafarers in Decarbonization, which is designed to prepare maritime personnel for operating zero-emission vessels. This initiative aims to align with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ongoing revisions of the STCW Convention and Code, focusing on safety training in the evolving maritime landscape.
In addition to METF, the MPA and the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) have established the Joint Office for Talent and Skills to facilitate upskilling of the maritime workforce across various roles. This office aims to convert short-term courses and job training into accredited micro-credentials, focused on contemporary skills like cybersecurity and sustainability. This flexible approach allows workers to acquire qualifications while maintaining their employment.
The overall strategy seeks to boost Singapore’s positioning as a leading maritime hub, promoting investment in training facilities as industry demand increases for competencies related to environmentally friendly maritime operations. The establishment of METF is seen as a catalyst for these developments, bolstering the training capacity for global maritime personnel in response to environmental shifts in the industry.
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