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MINERVA IN FOCUS Training personnel in the use of LNG as fuel

The application of LNG
as a marine fuel should
be carefully considered,
especially with regard
to human factors.

Using LNG as fuel is one of the options that shipowners
may consider in combination with technological and oper-
ational improvements in order to meet the IMO’s 2030 CO
2
reduction targets.
The decision requires a comprehensive approach, in which
the first step would be to benchmark the current position of
an owner’s fleet in its emissions reduction plans. The next step
is to examine the intended operating profile of the vessel(s),
determine how LNG would fit into the company’s plans, and
identify the potential savings.
The impact of a vessel’s operating profile on overall emissions
reduction is not to be underestimated, as the fuel system
selected may not automatically deliver lower GHG emissions.
The importance Factors such as the type of containment system used, the
boil-off gas management system, and the combustion pro-
cess all have an impact on a ship’s total GHG emissions.
of the human factor Seamanship and good marine practices must also be fol-
lowed on all vessels, including LNG-fuelled ones. This knowl-
edge must rely on good foundational training as specified
in the International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) table
when implementing of competence. It should also be supported by a robust
LNG as fuel onboard training programme that allows crew members to
fully familiarise themselves with the vessel’s operation prior
to assuming their duties and responsibilities.
This is a fundamental requirement for all ships, as specified
in SOLAS, with particular emphasis on the different risks and
by Angelos Minakis, consequences resulting from the use of an alternative fuel.
Business Development Manager, Crew members will need to become skilled at recognising
ABS Athens safety risks during bunkering operations, using on-the-scene
analysis consistent with their training and in line with the haz-
ard elements identified in a location-specific risk assessment.
Training is required for crew, shore staff, and commercial
Seamanship and good teams, including charterers on LNG-fuelled vessels. The
STCW Code, Part A, Chapter V, Section A-V/3, lists the man-
marine practices must datory minimum training and qualification requirements for
masters, officers, ratings, and other personnel serving on
be followed on all vessels, ships subject to the IGF Code.
including LNG-fuelled ones Some important aspects of training and education for
Gas-Fuelled Ships (GFS) operations include:
• LNG safety, awareness, and risk management
for executives.
• Technical and operational training for supervi-
sors and shore staff, including bunker supplier.
• STCW and administration-compliant training
for seafarers aboard GFS.
• STCW and administration-compliant training
for seafarers aboard bunker ships.
• The training of Marine Inspectors, port author-
The ABS “Sustainability Whitepaper: ities, emergency responders, and other port
LNG as Marine Fuel” can be and terminal stakeholders impacted by LNG
downloaded by scanning the QR code bunkering operations.

16 ISSUE 31 / Q1 2025