Maritime Trainers Boost LNG-Fuelled Ship Safety Skills in Japan

(International Maritime Organization) Maritime trainers from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Viet Nam completed a subregional train-the-trainer workshop held in Japan (22-30 October) so they can upskill seafarers who work on ships using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as fuel.

The initiative is part of IMO's ongoing efforts to ensure that seafarers are adequately trained to safely and effectively operate ships using alternative fuels, in line with requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention).

The training equipped participants from the region, including four women, with knowledge and practical skills which they could then transfer to their respective countries and institutions.

Putting policy into practice

The workshop supports IMO's World Maritime Day theme for 2026–2027, "From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence", by turning international regulatory requirements into practical skills and operational preparedness.

Provisions in the STCW Convention and Code require seafarers serving on ships subject to the IGF Code (such as LNG-fuelled ships) to complete mandatory training to ensure the safe operation of those ships. This is supported by IMO model courses 7.13 and 7.14, covering basic and advanced training.

The workshop combined classroom lectures, LNG bunkering simulator training at the Marine Technical College and emergency response exercises at the Maritime Disaster Prevention Centre (MDPC).

Participants shared national experiences and practical challenges in implementing STCW training requirements. They identified lessons learned and priorities for future training activities, reflecting the evolving needs of Member States and developments in alternative fuels and maritime technologies.

A technical visit to an LNG-fuelled ferry allowed participants to observe actual shipboard equipment, systems and operations, linking classroom and simulator exercises to practical application. They also visited a hydrogen-powered tugboat to gain insights to emerging fuel technologies and training needs beyond LNG.

Training seafarers on LNG-fuelled ships

The workshop marked the start of the second phase of a project strengthen regional capacity for training seafarers on the safe operation of ships using LNG as a marine fuel.

Implemented under IMO's Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP), the project is jointly led by IMO and Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). The workshop was also supported by the Nippon Foundation, the Japan Ship Technology Research Association (JSTRA) and the Japan Agency of Maritime Education and Training for Seafarers (JMETS).

IMO continues to work closely with Japan and regional countries to build on the experience gained through the project, strengthen regional training capabilities and explore future capacity-building activities covering other alternative fuels and emerging maritime technologies.