Gaps in STCW, MLC and ISM hindering safe decarbonisation: report

GAPS in maritime codes and conventions may be hindering safe decarbonisation progress, a report has found.

A report from the Maritime Technologies Forum and Lloyd’s Register identified safety gaps in operational management practices and crew training requirements around alternative fuels.

The report focused on the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers; the Maritime Labour Convention and the International Safety Management Code.

In the STCW, it identified “regulatory uncertainties, insufficiencies within model courses and inconsistent implementation of training”.

And in the MLC, it found reference to alternative fuels could be made in Part B of the code and international guidelines to ensure member states address the relevant requirements in their national legislation.

The report also highlighted perceived urgency to close the gaps so the maritime industry can better prioritise limited resources.

“Understanding the challenges in safely adopting alternative fuels at scale is a critical step to accelerating maritime decarbonisation,” Lloyd’s Register CEO Nick Brown said.

“This research, led by LR Lead Marine Consultant Yildiz Williams, provides much needed clarity on the hurdles we face as an industry in the safe operation of alternative fuels and the recommendations to overcome those challenges.”

And Jun Kohno, deputy director-general for engineering affairs maritime bureau for Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, said the report spotlights areas needing attention.

“If we are to meet the decarbonisation targets set by IMO, it is important that we continue to work together with industry to address gaps in operational management practices and regulatory schemes.

“This report … helps prioritise the changes needed to support the safe and scalable use of alternative fuels in the maritime industry.”

The Maritime Technologies Forum is a forum of flag states and classification societies established to provide technical and regulatory expertise for the maritime industry.