Marine and Offshore > Fuelling the Future of Shipping: Ammonia, Hydrogen, Methanol and Biofuels - Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT)

About this Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT)

Shipping’s decarbonization journey is already underway and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted mandatory measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) from international shipping under Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), Data Collection System (DCS) which has developed into the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) requirement in January 2023. 

On 7th July 2023, during the Marine Environment Protection Committee 80th session (MEPC 80), IMO adopted an ambitious reduction mandate in GHG emissions by bringing into force, well to wake targets by year 2030 a reduction of 20% striving to 30%; by 2040 a reduction of 70% striving to 80% and by or around 2050 a reduction to net zero compared to 2008 levels.

So far, these targets are only technical measures. At the next IMO (MEPC 81) meeting in April 2024, economic measures and carbon pricing mechanisms will be on the table for discussions with potential planned adoption in 2025 and entry into force in 2027. To make maritime decarbonization a reality, rapid investments in crew training, alternative fuels options and port infrastructure around the world are key essentials. More regulations will be fore-coming and with time running out, everyone and decision makers in the maritime industry need to immediately bring themselves up to speed on the knowledge, safety aspects, available options and feasible solutions on to how to navigate through this Energy Transition era smoothly.

Achieving net-zero emissions in the next decades will be an enormous challenge as the land-based technology of renewal energy or electrification are not directly feasible or adequate for ocean going ships’ power requirements. In this context, a training course on alternative fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen, methanol and biofuels become vital for understanding the potential of these fuels, safety measures required, coupled with effective hull designs, operational practices and the implications of the IMO MEPC 80 governing the choices and options in maritime’s decarbonization efforts.

By the end of this VILT course, the participants will be able to:

  • Learn about the different production methods and technologies involved in the production of Ammonia, Hydrogen, Methanol and Biofuels including conventional and emerging processes, as well as the associated environmental impacts and scalability.
  • Describe and compare the physical properties of Ammonia, Hydrogen, Methanol, and Biofuels, such as density, specific gravity, boiling points, flash points, auto ignition temperatures, and assess their compatibility and interchangeability with existing ship systems.
  • Understand the flammability and hazardous health characteristics of these alternative fuels and their implications for onboard safety measures and risk mitigation management.
  • Explore the current regulatory framework and guidelines available for safe and efficient adoption of alternative fuels including environmental regulations, safety guidelines and international conventions.
  • Understand the infrastructure requirements for alternative fuels, including production facilities, bunkering and supply chains.
  • Examine ongoing developments and challenges in establishing a robust infrastructure network.
  • Acquire an insight into the associated engines and some of the major engine manufacturers’ developments for such fuels underway and retrofitting options.
  • Develop an understanding on the hazards associated with storage and handling of Ammonia, Hydrogen, Methanol and Biofuels.
  • Acquire knowledge about the energy content and tank volume required of Ammonia, Hydrogen, Methanol and Biofuels in comparison to conventional marine fuel.
  • Explore the various storage, containment and fuel supply systems required for bunkering, storing and handling of these fuels on board vessels, considering factors such as tank and ship arrangements, tank materials, volume, insulation, ventilation, gas hazardous area classification, secondary containment and boil off gas management
  • Acquire knowledge on the potential and proven energy efficiency innovations and performance of vessels available.
  • Gain knowledge of recent projects examples existing vessels that have adopted, in the process or ongoing projects related to this alternative fuel research, pilot programs, and collaborations within the maritime industry.
  • Gain insights into the predicted market prices and cost competitiveness of Ammonia, Hydrogen, Methanol and Biofuels as compared to conventional marine fuels, by considering production costs, scalability, and market dynamics factors.

This VILT course is designed for shipping companies, port authorities and terminal operators, shipbuilding and ship repair yards and contractors; fuel producers, suppliers and energy companies; shipping professionals, executives & decision makers; onboard crew & mariners; financiers, legal professional, classification societies and industry associations; maritime government officials, planners and investors; students, energy consultants and sustainability advisors in the maritime industry. It is recommended specifically for:

  • Shipping executives, managers and owners who are responsible for setting strategic goals, formulating policies and overseeing sustainable initiatives in their organizations.
  • Fleet managers and operators involved in the management and operation, including superintendents and personnel responsible for fleet performance, maintenance, and fuel management.
  • Professionals specializing in environmental management and sustainability within the maritime industry, including environmental managers, sustainability officers or consultants, who are focused on integrating sustainable practices into shipping operations.
  • Maritime engineers, naval architects and technical personnel involved in ship design, fuel gas systems, retrofitting and engineering aspects related to alternative fuel adoption and sustainable shipping practices.
  • International and National Regulatory and compliance professionals involved in shipping and environmental standards, including regulatory affairs managers, compliance officers and legal professionals.
  • Supply chain and logistics professionals involved in fuel management, logistics operations and procurement within the maritime industry and are interested in understanding the impact of alternative fuels on supply chain sustainability and optimizing fuel choices.
  • Research and development professionals engaged in activities related to alternative fuels, energy efficiency and sustainability in the maritime sector, including computer software writers, scientists and engineers.
  • Industry consultants and advisors who provide specialized guidance and advisory services to shipping companies or other stakeholders on sustainable shipping practices and alternative fuel strategies.

Your expert course instructor is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of international experience in Maritime, LNG and alternative fuels technology. In 1979, he graduated from the University of Glasgow, UK with 1st class honours degree in Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering and was awarded the Reid Birrell prize in Naval Architecture. He also received further education in International Business Management at the world renowned IMD Business School in Switzerland. He has worked with two leading ship classification societies, ABS, DNV and two major shipyards, Keppel Offshore & Marine and Sembcorp Marine now merged as Seatrium Ltd.

His expertise in promoting LNG as a marine fuel predates the IMO regulation on the International Gas Fuel (IGF) Code. Since year 2000, he was already actively advocating for LNG as a marine fuel in the Middle East and USA when DNV first published its guidelines and regulations approved by the Norwegian Maritime Directorate (NMD), well before IMO adopted it in June 2015 and which later came into force on 1st January 2017.

Throughout his career, he has presented technical papers on various LNG technologies and moderated discussions at major maritime gas conferences such as Gastech and other LNG seminars. His extensive knowledge in LNG and alternative fuels in Ammonia, Hydrogen, Methanol and Biofuels led him to actively conduct training programs. These programs cover topics ranging from LNG and alternative fuels, LNG bunkering, The A to Z of LNG carriers, FSRU & Receiving terminals, FLNG and Ship Energy Efficiency technologies.

Additionally, he has been serving as the chair of the sub-committee on LNG as Marine Fuel for the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) since 2011. His contributions to the field of LNG are evident in his articles on LNG containment systems, LNG opportunities in the Caribbeans and Considerations in the design and operation of LNG bunker vessels published in SNAME’s Maritime Technology (MT) magazines.

Furthermore, his involvement with the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) has allowed him to provide recommendations to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) on their small-scale LNG policies. Notably, he led a workgroup within CTAC which resulted in the publication of the ASTM F3285-18 Standard Guide for the installation and application of Type C portable tanks for marine service.

With his wealth of hands-on experience and expertise, he is the go-to professional in the LNG, Alternative fuels and Maritime technology industry. His contributions, leadership, and technical prowess make him an invaluable resource for organizations seeking to navigate the complexities of Alternative fuels which are the viable solutions for IMO’s MEPC 80 adoption setting new and ambitious GHG reduction targets for shipping during this period of Energy Transition.

To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized “One to One” coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster.
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Learn what past participants have said about EnergyEdge training courses

I thoroughly enjoyed attending and participating in the classroom course that was led over 2 days by this expert. The materials were presented in a concise and clear manner with excellent examples and industry insights. I hope to attend another course by this expert in the near future.

General Manager, Wartsila North America.

Flexibility of instruction, adding extra focus to areas of expressed interest by attendees.

Vessel Data Manager, Nautilus Labs.

Many thanks for sharing expert knowledge and experience. It is valuable in our learning process. I also appreciate that the trainer shared his own concise content related checklist for both sea and shore. Many thanks.

Senior Operator, Dubai Petroleum, LNG Terminal.