SMW 2025: MPA unveils maritime digital platform for alternative bunker fuels training

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Thursday (27 March) showcased the prototype of the Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) Digital Platform, an initiative to help the global maritime workforce access training in the safe handling of alternative marine fuels and new technologies. 

The prototype platform was presented at the “Accelerating Digitalisation and Decarbonisation Conference” at Singapore Maritime Week (SMW 2025) and will be ready by the second half of 2025.

The METF Digital Platform offers maritime companies, seafarers and maritime professionals a systematic and easy way to find relevant courses, register and pay for them.

The platform is currently offered to Singapore-based maritime companies and/or Singapore-registered ships. This would be extended to more companies and stakeholders, including those based overseas, in the next phase.

The prototype is undergoing testing and validation with a group of industry pilot users.

Training progress and certifications received can also be tracked through the platform, helping both companies and individuals monitor compliance with the relevant industry and regulatory standards. By streamlining administrative processes such as training grant eligibility and certification management, the platform reduces the administrative burden on maritime companies and makes training easily accessible for seafarers and maritime professionals.

The METF was first introduced at SMW 2024 as part of Singapore’s efforts to advance maritime decarbonisation and workforce development. Since then, MPA has engaged training providers, shipping companies, and maritime associations to align training standards with industry needs. These efforts have led to the development of the METF Digital Platform, a training management system that simplifies access to training, streamlines certification issuance, and ensures alignment with evolving international standards.

In February 2025, the International Maritime Organization’s Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping Sub-Committee began work to develop interim guidelines for training seafarers in handling alternative marine fuels and new technologies. 

MPA contributed by  proposing draft training guidelines for the safe handling of methanol and ammonia, drawing on Singapore’s experience in competency frameworks, proficiency standards, and training programme development. This included the basic and advanced training for handling of methanol as fuel for maritime personnel by the Singapore Maritime Academy. 

The METF Digital Platform will support the practical implementation of such courses, ensuring seafarers have access to training that meets evolving international safety and operational requirements.

Related: SMW 2024: MPA to set up facility for maritime workforce to train in handling new bunker fuels

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 27 March, 2025