As a global maritime hub and large flag administration, Singapore is committed to ensuring that seafarers' skills remain relevant with the emergence of new and alternative fuels and technologies. To this end, Singapore has an interest in supporting the development of global training requirements, to ensure that seafarers can competently discharge their duties on board future vessels.

To-date, Singapore has gained experiences in the handling and use of alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia through various bunkering and operation pilot trials. For these, MPA had ensured that the seafarers involved were adequately trained, including undergoing specialised methanol firefighting as well as ammonia safe handling training to ensure that they were familiar with responding to emergency situations. These training courses were co-developed by MPA and partners such as the Singapore Maritime Academy.

In 2024, MPA also launched the Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) as a decentralized network of training facilities in Singapore, supported by over 50 local and international partners. The objective of the Facility is to upskill the global maritime workforce on the operations, bunkering and management of zero or near-zero emission-powered vessels. It would feature new marine engine simulators for alternate fuels (e.g., methanol, ammonia), an integrated engine/bridge simulator for crew management, and common facilities for fire safety and gas simulant training.

To build awareness on the METF’s offerings, MPA organised two workshops in August and October 2024 involving METF partners and stakeholders to undertake an in-depth exploration of the industry’s needs and requirements for alternative fuel training for seafarers and maritime professionals.

To date, more than 400 personnel have successfully completed training under the METF, including baseline and advanced courses on methanol handling. MPA remains committed to collaborating with METF partners to deliver world-class training programs that support the industry’s decarbonization efforts. Furthermore, Singapore has submitted a paper on training guidelines for methanol and ammonia fuel handling to the IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW), which will be discussed at its eleventh session in February 2025.