Business

MPA and WSG offers career conversion programme for maritime workers

CCP will enable individuals to prepare for job roles such as port operations manager, shipping analyst, assistant technical superintendent, and ship agent.

Published

3 years ago

November 16, 2021

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) on Saturday (13 November) rolled out an enhanced Career Conversion Programme (CCP) for Sea Transport Professionals and Associates.

Benefitting up to 300 individuals over two years, the enhancements include a new Job Redesign and Reskilling (JRR) pathway, specialist “Maritime Superintendency Track” and the expansion of the programme to cater for associates. It aims to plug existing skills gaps, as the transformation of the sector has increased demand for cross-disciplinary skills in areas such as data analytics, automation and robotics.

The enhancement is built on its predecessor programme for Sea Transport Professionals and for Port Professionals, which had benefited over 160 individuals over the past three years.

Launched at the Maritime Digital Challenge Grand Finals by Senior Minister of State for Transport Mr Chee Hong Tat, the programme will enable individuals to better prepare themselves for job roles such as port operations manager, shipping analyst, assistant technical superintendent, and ship agent.

There will be three pathways for the programme: Place and Train, Redeployment and the new Job Redesign and Reskilling. It will equip mid-career switchers and existing maritime employees taking on new or expanded roles with competencies in areas such as automation, data analytics, decarbonisation and cybersecurity.

New specialist track for individuals to take on Maritime Superintendent roles

The role of the Assistant Marine Superintendent is to oversee ship compliance to regulatory requirements and legislation, ensure voyage safety and optimisation and improvements to enhance efficiency.

He or she is also in charge of ground-level crew management matters, such as overseeing wages and invoices, as well as crew changes. Assistant technical superintendents oversee the management of ships to ensure seaworthiness, as well as the ship’s budget and expenditure, and resource planning.

To build up a local talent pipeline of maritime superintendents, WSG and MPA will pilot 20 placements for a new specialist “Maritime Superintendency Track” under the enhanced CCP. Individuals on this track will be awarded a Specialist Diploma in Maritime Superintendency by Singapore Polytechnic after the completion of six pre-approved modules and On-the-Job Training (OJT).

They can then embark on meaningful careers in roles such as an assistant marine superintendent or an assistant technical superintendent, before progressing onward to becoming a superintendent or another adjacent role.

Strong hiring sentiments in maritime companies

In spite of the pandemic, the hiring outlook for the maritime sector remains positive. Data from MyCareersFuture shows that there has been an increase in the number of job postings from over 1,300 job postings in January 2021 to about 1,770 in September 2021 for maritime companies, doubling that when compared to the same period in September 2020. Individuals who are keen to explore a career in the sector can go to WSG’s MyCareersFuture portal for job openings.

WSG’s Chief Executive Mr Tan Choon Shian said, “As the maritime industry undergoes a big transformation at a global level, maritime companies see an accelerated need to streamline business operations and adopt digitalisation to stay resilient and competitive.”

“With a need to attract new talent with the right competencies and support existing workers in their reskilling efforts to meet the evolving demands, the enhanced CCP therefore comes at a critical time to support companies in their bid to build a strong Singaporean core, equipped to take on jobs that leverage digitalisation and automation. We are happy to partner MPA and SP to create quality jobs for Singaporeans in this sector.”

MPA’s Chief Executive Ms Quah Ley Hoon said, “For Singapore to maintain its position as a leading global hub port and international maritime centre, we need to build a pipeline of future-ready talent. This must also be done in tandem with evolving needs of the maritime industry as it transforms into a more digitalised and greener one.”

“The enhanced CCP will facilitate the entry of individuals drawn to the opportunities that the sector is offering. It will also help our existing workforce upskill and reskill to remain relevant in today’s changing environment. MPA is pleased to partner with WSG and Singapore Polytechnic on this important endeavour.”

Editor’s note: The full career progression roadmap for Skills Framework for Sea Transport can be viewed here

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore / Workforce Singapore
Published: 16 November, 2021

LNG Bunkering

Japan: MOL’s third LNG-fuelled ferry “Sunflower Kamuy” starts operation in Oarai

“Sunflower Kamuy” will serve the Oarai-Tomakomai route between Ibaraki Prefecture and Hokkaido as a replacement for the Sunflower Daisetsu, says MOL.

Published

1 day ago

January 24, 2025

Admin

Japan: MOL third LNG-fuelled ferry “Sunflower Kamuy” starts operation in Oarai

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) on Thursday (23 January) announced that the LNG-fuelled ferry Sunflower Kamuy, owned by MOL and operated by its group company MOL Sunflower, entered service in Oarai.

The vessel will be the third LNG-fuelled ferry operated by MOL Sunflower, following the Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki, which have been in service on the Osaka-Beppu route from 2023.

Sunflower Kamuy will serve the Oarai-Tomakomai route between Ibaraki Prefecture and Hokkaido as a replacement for the Sunflower Daisetsu.

Along with the sister vessel Sunflower Pirka, scheduled to enter service in early summer 2025, MOL Sunflower will operate a fleet of four LNG-fuelled ferries on the Oarai-Tomakomai route and the Osaka-Beppu route within 2025.

MOL Sunflower operates 10 ferries and 4 RoRo vessels on six routes throughout Japan, from Hokkaido to Kyushu, providing service for both logistics and passengers in Japan.

Photo credit: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
Published: 24 January, 2025

Winding up

Singapore: Notice of preferential dividend issued for Asia-Pacific Shipyard

Creditors will need to submit proofs to liquidators of Asia-Pacific Shipyard Pte Ltd by 6 February, according to a Government Gazette notice.

Published

1 day ago

January 24, 2025

Admin

A notice of preferential dividend for Otto Marine Limited, which is in liquidation, was published on the Government Gazette on Friday (9 September).

The following are details of the notice:

Name of Company : Asia-Pacific Shipyard Pte Ltd (In Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation)
Unique Entity No./Registration No. : 197300183MAddress of Registered Office : 8 Wilkie Road, #03-08 Wilkie Edge, Singapore 228095

Last Day for Receiving Proofs : 6 February 2025

Name of Liquidators : Ng Kian Kiat and Yap Hui Li

Address of Liquidators : c/o RSM SG Corporate Advisory Pte. Ltd., 8 Wilkie Road #03-08, Wilkie Edge, Singapore 228095

Photo credit: Drew Beamer
Published: 24 January, 2024

LNG Bunkering

SEA-LNG report: Number of LNG-fuelled vessels in operation up by over 33% in 2024

Based on its latest ‘View from the Bridge’ report, SEA-LNG reported an annual vessel growth of over 33% to 638 LNG-fuelled vessels in operation worldwide in 2024.

Published

1 day ago

January 24, 2025

Admin

SEA-LNG report: Number of LNG-fuelled vessels in operation up by over 33% in 2024

Industry coalition SEA-LNG on Thursday (24 January) reported an annual vessel growth of over 33% to 638 LNG-fuelled vessels in operation worldwide in 2024.

This was one of the findings of SEA-LNG’s annual ‘View from the Bridge’ report, highlighting 2024 as another year of growth for the LNG pathway.

Analysing data from SEA-LNG members, the report found that global market adoption and growth reached record heights in 2024.

Looking forward, over 1,200 vessels are expected to be operating by the end of 2028. In 2024, LNG dual-fuelled vessels accounted for 70% of alternative fuelled tonnage ordered, excluding LNG Carriers, up from 43% in 2023.

This record expansion follows the growing availability of LNG bunker fuel beyond the traditional bunkering hubs. Currently, LNG bunkers are accessible in approximately 198 ports worldwide, and plans are underway for bunkering facilities in an additional 78 ports. This comes as over 60 LNG bunkering vessels are operating today, marking a 22% increase from 2023.

The ‘View from the Bridge’ report also highlights how the LNG pathway took a significant step in 2024, with liquified biomethane delivering on decarbonisation and regular renewable e-methane supplies expected in 2026.

SEA-LNG members are prepared to offer biomethane bunkers in some 70 ports globally, with multiple bunkering operations already taking place.

A highlight was the successful biomethane bunkering pilot as part of the Methane Track within the Rotterdam-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC). This was the first practical delivery of any international Green Corridor since they were announced as part of the Clydebank Declaration at COP 26 in Glasgow.

Peter Keller, chairman of SEA-LNG, said: “Our latest View from the Bridge reaffirms the importance of the LNG pathway as a practical and realistic route to shipping’s decarbonisation now. We continue to believe that the shipping industry is heading towards a successful multi-fuel future where LNG will always play a critical role.”

“To deliver net zero by 2050 across the global shipping fleet, a basket of fuels is required and the LNG pathway will continue to lead the way. This is not a case of my fuel versus your fuel but rather which fuel best allows the industry to reach its stated goals. The LNG pathway provides the path to net zero.”

SEA-LNG’s latest report also highlights that 2024 has seen considerable progress in addressing methane slip. “Advances in eliminating methane slip, in combination with biomethane and e-methane, provide a clear, effective, and viable long-term pathway towards net zero emissions. Shipowners and operators can be confident that the vessels ordered today are future-proofed for their lifespan.”

“With a proven track record of technical improvements to reduce methane slip and upstream emissions, coupled with tighter regulations from global and regional authorities, we continue to believe methane slip will be a non-issue by the end of this decade,” Keller continued.

FuelEU Maritime will be a key regulation in advancing shipping industry decarbonisation, heading into 2025. According to analysis from SEA-LNG, FuelEU Maritime creates a favourable environment for the LNG pathway.

With the ability to achieve GHG emissions reductions of up to 23%, LNG-fuelled vessels are compliant until 2039. The use of liquefied biomethane and e-methane can extend compliance through to 2050 and beyond.

Note: The full report is available for download here.

Photo credit: SEA-LNG
Published: 24 January, 2025