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

Technology group Wärtsilä will introduce the Methanol Power and Control (PAC) simulation model in partnership with the Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) and Wavelink Maritime Institute in Singapore, according to the company's joint statement with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Thursday (27 March). 

The model will help maritime professionals acquire the knowledge and competencies needed to operate methanol-powered vessels safely and efficiently. 

Wavelink Maritime Institute will be the first MPA-accredited training partner to use this innovative simulation model launched at SMW 2025. Wärtsilä will also introduce the Ammonia PAC simulation model in early 2026 to further enhance the industry's capabilities to handle and operate ammonia-powered vessels.

These initiatives are part of the renewed partnership between Wärtsilä and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to accelerate maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation. The renewed partnership will focus on the introduction of next-generation alternative fuels, optimisation of digital port operations, and development of future maritime talent.

MPA and Wärtsilä will collaborate with companies in Singapore’s MarineTech ecosystem to explore Research and Development projects aimed at lowering the cost of adopting new technologies. These projects will include the Methanol and Ammonia PAC simulation models, plume modelling to enhance safety assessment, and improvements in handling of low- and zero-emission maritime fuels. The goal is to enhance safety procedures for the handling, storage, and operation of these fuels while ensuring the industry’s readiness for new fuel technologies.

Both partners will also work with industry partners and stakeholders to identify emerging skills needed for methanol- and ammonia-powered engines operations. Training curricula will be co-developed using advanced technologies and simulation models to improve Effectiveness.

Wärtsilä will host a Simulation User Conference on fuel training and simulation in June 2025. The conference will feature Wärtsilä experts sharing insights on the latest advancements in simulations and training related to renewable fuels and their applications in the maritime industry. Topics will include competency and capability development for alternative fuels and the future of maritime decarbonisation.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said: “As a leading bunkering hub transitioning towards a multi-fuel future, our partnership with Wärtsilä will help unlock the potential of low- and zero-emission maritime fuels. This partnership will be an action-focused effort to ensure a safe and efficient bunkering environment in Singapore.”

Håkan Agnevall, President and CEO of Wärtsilä, said, “As the world’s busiest transshipment port and largest bunkering hub, Singapore has an important role to play in shipping’s journey towards net-zero. That’s why we are proud to continue fostering our partnership with MPA on accelerating this transition. The renewal of our MOU and the launch of the Methanol PAC simulation model are significant steps towards achieving our shared goals of decarbonisation and digitalisation in the maritime sector.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 27 March, 2025

Classification society DNV on Wednesday (26 March) awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to Marine Design and Research Institute of China (MARIC) for their new wide beam ammonia-ready Kamsarmax bulk carrier, as part of Singapore Maritime Week (SMW 2025).

The vessel has a shallow draft for flexible port calls, as well as being WAPS (wind assisted propulsion system) ready.

Green ammonia is emerging as a strong candidate for the climate-neutral fuel shipping needs to meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals, especially when produced from renewably produced energy and inputs. In 2024, the first orders for non-gas carrier ammonia-fuelled vessels were placed, mainly in the bulk carrier segment, highlighting ammonia's emergence as a real option in the alternative fuel market.

To support the industry’s interest in the new fuel, DNV has awarded an AiP to Maric for a new ammonia-ready Kamsarmax bulk carrier design. With a length of 229 m and an increased beam of 38m, the design has been optimized for more cargo volume at same draft. 

The hull structure is reinforced, and space is reserved for an easier retrofit of both the ammonia tanks and system. With 4,500 CBM capacity tanks, the vessel can cover more than 15,000 nautical miles at design speed - fuelled on ammonia. 

Mr Zhu, Jianzhang, Vice President of MARIC, said: “We are proud to announce our strategic collaboration with DNV, to pioneer the design of a 91k DWT ammonia-fuelled bulk carrier. This partnership underscores our commitment to advancing green shipping technologies and accelerating the maritime industry’s transition to a low-carbon future.”

“By working together we can overcome the technical and operational challenges associated with ammonia as a marine fuel, deliver a cutting-edge solution that aligns with global decarbonization goals, and set a new benchmark for clean, efficient, and commercially viable bulk carriers.”

Øyvind Pettersen, Head of Technical Centre China, at DNV Maritime, said: "Awarding MARIC this AiP is another milestone in advancing ammonia as a marine fuel. However, realizing its potential demands both innovation and an unwavering focus on safety.”

“This is why we value working with MARIC and their commitment to building on the foundation of the industry's most advanced classification standards. DNV is very proud to collaborate on this AiP, which will strengthen confidence in new fuels, and further shipping’s journey toward a more sustainable tomorrow."

The first edition of DNV’s classification rules for ammonia-fuelled ships was published in 2021. Updates followed in 2022 and 2023, including the Gas Fuelled Ammonia class notation which gives owners the option to start building ships for future ammonia propulsion, by setting out the requirements for the ship’s fuel system, fuel bunkering connection and piping through to the fuel consumers. 

This year, a new DNV white paper, “Safe introduction of alternative fuels – Focus on ammonia and hydrogen as ship fuels”, provides shipowners with insights and tools to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and implement these fuels.

An Approval in Principle (AiP) is an independent assessment of a concept within an agreed framework, confirming that the design is feasible, and no significant obstacles exist to prevent the concept from being realised.

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 27 March, 2025