The frameworks provide essential guidance to support harmonised training standards for alternative fuels.

The Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF) has today (17 September 2025) released industry-first training frameworks designed to facilitate the development of training programmes for seafarers for working on ships powered by ammonia, methanol and hydrogen.

The training frameworks address the needs of seafarers in entry-level or operational roles and senior officers. They are accompanied by comprehensive instructor handbooks.

All material is accessible here: mjttf.org

The MJTTF will also release guidelines for general familiarisation programmes, aimed at seafarers and key shore-based personnel, who are not specifically covered by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (1978 STCW Convention).

The publicly available MJTTF training frameworks will help regulators and maritime administrations set the criteria for the development of training programmes and the establishment of certification schemes and competency validation mechanisms for seafarers, including classroom education, simulation-based performance assessments and sea-time training. 

Maritime education and training institutions will be able to adapt curricula and upgrade delivery models. Shipping companies will also receive support in personnel onboarding and safety management system updates to address the unique risks associated with the new molecules.

Both the frameworks and the familiarisation guidelines stem from ‘The Baseline Training Frameworks for Seafarers in Decarbonisation’ Project; a joint project between the MJTTF and the IMO Secretariat, in collaboration with Lloyd's Register (LR), delivering work through the Lloyd's Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub (The Decarb Hub) and the World Maritime University (WMU), who acted as technical and academic leads respectively. The project is co-funded by the IMO through its integrated Technical Cooperation Programme, and Lloyd’s Register Foundation.

The project has worked in parallel with IMO’s ongoing comprehensive review of the 1978 STCW Convention and Code. Its outcomes, in particular in defining the knowledge, understanding and proficiency required for seafarers in decarbonisation, serve as input to the review process, including through submissions to the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping.

The MJTTF and project partners collectively acknowledge IMO’s work in shaping a harmonised global training regime for seafarers on ships powered by alternative fuels and new technologies. The development of the MJTTF Training frameworks has been made possible through invaluable contributions from industry partners and experts.

Today’s launch is celebrated as part of LR’s Maritime Human Capital Management Forum, in conjunction with London International Shipping Week 2025, which will highlight the human element, safety, training, and just transition principles for shipping’s energy transition towards net-zero.

Publication of the training frameworks is not only a launch, but an invitation to use the frameworks, to build on them, to share them widely, and to ensure they become part of how our industry trains and prepares for the fuels of the future.

 

About the Maritime Just Transition Task Force

The Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF) was formed at COP26 by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the United Nations Global Compact, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure that seafarers are at the heart of the shipping industry’s climate response. The Task Force promotes coordinated collaboration between industry, workers, governments, and academia to support a safe, equitable, and human-centred transition to a decarbonised shipping sector.

UN Global Compact

The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 64 Country Networks covering 85 countries and 9 Country Managers establishing Networks in 16 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative – one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at unglobalcompact.org.

 International Chamber of Shipping

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for merchant shipowners and operators, representing all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world merchant fleet. www.ics-shipping.org

International Transport Workers’ Federation

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is a democratic, affiliate-led federation of transport workers’ unions recognised as the world’s leading transport authority. We fight passionately to improve workers’ lives, connecting more than 730 affiliated trade unions from over 150 countries to secure rights, equality and justice for workers globally. We are the voice for more than 16.5 million transport workers across the world. www.itfglobal.org

International Maritime Organization

United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. IMO's work supports the UN SDGs. www.imo.org  

World Maritime University

The World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden is established within the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. The mission of WMU is to be the world centre of excellence in postgraduate maritime and oceans education, professional training and research, while building global capacity and promoting sustainable development. WMU’s vision is to inspire leadership and innovation for a sustainable maritime and oceans future. WMU is an organization by and for the international maritime community and is committed to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. www.wmu.se

Lloyd’s Register

Lloyd’s Register Group Limited (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine engineering and technology. We are a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, we also provide advice, support and solutions to enhance our clients’ digital capability, and our research, technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition. www.lr.org

Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub

The Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub (commonly known as the Decarb Hub) is an independent, non-profit initiative established through a partnership between Lloyd’s Register Foundation and Lloyd’s Register Group. Positioned at the intersection of these two organisations, the Hub is uniquely equipped to accelerate the safe, sustainable, and human-centric decarbonisation of global shipping — combining neutrality with influence, and research with real-world application. www.thedecarbhub.org

Lloyd’s Register Foundation  

Lloyd’s Register Foundation is an independent global safety charity that supports research, innovation, and education to make the world a safer place. Its mission is to use the best evidence and insight to help the global community focus on tackling the world’s most pressing safety and risk challenges. To find out more about Lloyd’s Register Foundation, visit lrfoundation.org.uk.