The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched its global Train-the-Trainer programme on alternative fuels for sustainable maritime transport. The first training session, held from 14 to 18 April 2025, brought together 35 participants at the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre (MTCC-Asia), hosted by Shanghai Maritime University.

The course, implemented by the World Maritime University (WMU), is designed to equip maritime professionals with the skills to train others on key decarbonization fuels—ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen. It is part of the broader Baseline Training Framework for Seafarers in Decarbonization project, carried out in collaboration with the Maritime Just Transition (MJT) Task Force and the IMO Secretariat.

A Structured, Scenario-Based Training Approach

Initially piloted at WMU in December 2024, the course has since been refined based on post-training evaluation surveys. Updates include additional hands-on sessions, scenario-based learning drawn from real-world case studies, and demonstrations of equipment and safety procedures.

A Broad, International Participation

IMO-sponsored participants came from:

• Bangladesh

• India

• Indonesia

• Malaysia

• Pakistan

• The Philippines

• Thailand

• Vietnam

Self-funded participants represented:

• China

• Hong Kong (China)

• Japan

• Republic of Korea

• Singapore

Additional participants included MTCC Asia staff, NGO representatives, and industry experts nominated by members of the Maritime Just Transition Task Force, including:

• UN Global Compact (UNGC)

• International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)

• International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)

• Lloyd’s Register Foundation

This initiative is a major step toward building global capacity to support the transition to low- and zero-emission fuels, ensuring that maritime professionals are well-prepared to drive decarbonization within the sector.