Alt fuels training vital for Asian vessel safety

The marine insurer said rapid fleet modernisation across the region is increasing pressure on crew competence, risk management and operational readiness as owners invest in LNG and alternative fuel tonnage. 

“Asia is investing in new ships, but new ships need new skills. With more LNG and alternative fuel vessels entering the market, the industry has to be honest about whether crew training is keeping pace with the technology being put on board,” said Julia Ju, regional executive director, Team Hong Kong at The Swedish Club.

“A modern vessel does not remove risk if the crew are not properly prepared to operate it. The risk simply moves into the way the ship is managed, maintained and operated.”

Increasing demand

Strong market conditions are supporting demand for advanced vessels, but The Swedish Club believes the industry must ensure seafarers have the experience and confidence required to safely operate increasingly complex ships.

The insurer said it is increasing the frequency of its loss-prevention and crew seminars for members this year in response to the changing operational environment.

However, Ms Ju stressed that seminars alone will not address the wider challenge facing the sector.

She said that the industry requires more systematic training programmes, stronger safety management practices and improved situational awareness onboard vessels.

According to The Swedish Club, the transition towards alternative fuels and more technologically advanced ships means casualty prevention will increasingly depend on the ability of crews to safely manage operational complexity.