Singapore is preparing to train thousands of maritime workers in the handling of methanol and ammonia. The programme is part of a wider national effort to support the transition to lower carbon operations across global fleets.
Singapore is moving to position itself as a central training hub for crews and port workers who will handle the next generation of marine fuels. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has announced plans for a Maritime Energy Training Facility that will support the safe use of methanol and ammonia as demand grows for lower emission options.
Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat introduced the initiative during Singapore Maritime Week. He said the country intends to provide the skills needed for alternative fuel management and zero emission vessels. The Maritime and Port Authority reports strong interest from shipowners, ports and unions for shared facilities that can prepare staff for changing fuel systems. Methanol and ammonia have gained early traction as the industry looks to reduce its carbon footprint and hydrogen may be added to the training scope as the market develops.
The Maritime and Port Authority will work with a wide group of partners. At the launch ceremony, Chief Executive Teo Eng Dih signed a letter of intent with twenty two organisations including classification societies, unions and educational institutions. The new facility is expected to be delivered as a network of upgraded training centres rather than a single location. Completion is targeted for 2026.
The programme will draw on a range of assets. A new dual fuel marine engine simulator will be introduced for bunkering and handling exercises. The Wavelink Maritime Simulation Centre has recently undergone a two point eight million Singapore dollar upgrade. Other institutions including the Singapore Maritime Academy, Wavelink Maritime Institute and the Singapore Polytechnic Centre of Excellence in Maritime Safety will provide simulators and augmented reality tools.
Around ten thousand maritime personnel are expected to receive training through the programme over the coming years. Costs will be shared by partner organisations and employers. Industry investment is also expanding. MAN Energy Solutions plans a twenty million euro service facility and training academy in Singapore. The Singapore Maritime Academy has launched one of the region’s first training courses focused on methanol as a marine fuel.
The country continues to build experience in practical fuel trials. Singapore has carried out the world’s first ammonia bunkering test and completed a methanol bunkering operation earlier this year. A study on future fuel demand for routes linking Singapore with Los Angeles and Long Beach will be released soon.
Port activity has remained strong. Minister Chee noted continued growth in vessel arrival tonnage and container throughput. He also announced a partnership between the Maritime and Port Authority and Amazon Web Services to create a maritime artificial intelligence and machine learning hub. According to Chee, working with a major technology provider will help the sector strengthen route planning and emissions reporting as part of wider digital development.
