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MINERVA IN FOCUS Training personnel in the use of LNG as fuel
Following the successful training and manning plan for the delivery
of our LNG fleet, the Minerva Gas and Minerva Marine Personnel
Departments designed an enhanced training and certification
framework tailored specifically for the Officers and Ratings eligible
to serve on these dual-fuel tankers, preparing them to excel with
any operational challenges. It goes without saying that the Athina
Training Center will play a critical role in this undertaking, offering
a combined theoretical and practical learning experience through
advanced simulators covering bunkering operations, engine room
management, and fuel handling.
Prior to detailing our training roadmap, it is crucial to recognise the
regulatory landscape that underpins it, stressing that compliance
with the STCW Convention, IGF Code, IMO guidelines, and Flag
State regulations (such as Greece’s PD 42/2023 and the Philippines’
PD 474/Circular 04/2018) is non-negotiable.
Key components of the training plan
To ensure the highest standards, our tailored training strategy
includes:
• Strategic selection: Identifying Senior and Junior Offi-
cers willing and capable of undertaking LNG training and
certification, provided they also sign a training agreement.
Training • Certification compliance: All Officers must hold, at
a minimum, either a Basic IGF or a Basic Gas Tanker
certificate prior to their embarkation.
for the future • Onboard LNGC training: Officers will sail aboard Minerva
LNGCs in a supernumerary role, without assigned respon-
sibilities, to gain hands-on experience. Engine Officers
of dual-fuel will be prioritised for assignments on the “Minerva Psara”
and the “Minerva Limnos”, while Deck Officers may serve
across any of our five LNGCs.
operations • Sea-time requirement: A minimum of three months on-
board is required to ensure full compliance with practical
• experience mandates.
Cross-training and mentoring: LNG-experienced Minerva
Gas Officers will provide mentorship and structured onboard
by George Moutafis, training, sharing their knowledge and experience.
Marine Personnel Manager, • Certification upgrade: Upon completing the required sea
Minerva Gas time and participation in at least three cargo operations,
Officers will be eligible for an Advanced Gas Tanker certi-
fication, fully aligned with STCW Section A-V/3 standards.
• ATHINA MLDC Training: Officers will further enhance
their competencies through theoretical and simula-
The global shift towards • tor-based training.
Safety Management System (SMS) familiarisation:
cleaner energy sources has Seamless integration into Minerva Marine’s SMS frame-
driven our newbuilding work, which has embedded the procedures/checklists for
dual-fuel tankers. While serving onboard, access to the
programme, with the Minerva Gas SMS and various manuals is also provided.
construction of four state-of- • Shipyard and sea trials participation: Officers will engage
the-art LR2 dual-fuel tankers, in shipyard training and sea trials, familiarising themselves
with the newbuildings prior to their official deployment.
scheduled for delivery by 2027. In summary, Officers assigned to our new LR2 tankers will be re-
quired to obtain a Basic Training Certificate, complete three months
of LNG experience aboard Minerva LNGCs, and subsequently
Manning these tankers necessitates specialised onboard and attain their Advanced Gas Tanker Certificate.
ashore training for our seafarers, not only for the safe and efficient Through this comprehensive and proactive plan, Minerva reaffirms
handling of LNG as marine fuel (considering the different equip- its family-oriented culture of teamwork while complying with the
ment and processes involved) but also for ensuring the regulatory rigorous international regulatory requirements about seafarers’
compliance with international maritime conventions, such as the certification and ensuring our Officers are fully trained for the safe
STCW Convention and the IGF Code. and efficient handling of LNG as a marine fuel.
12 ISSUE 31 / Q1 2025
