Shipping companies under pressure to reduce their emissions by 50% by 2050 will struggle to find alternative energy sources that will completely reduce their carbon footprint, according to maritime training provider Stream Marine Training (SMT).

At the recent COP26 summit in Glasgow, Scotland, world leaders called on industries, especially shipping, which account for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, to tackle climate change.

The task is enormous, with alternative energy sources such as hydrogen always leaving a carbon footprint because of the way they are produced, according to Tony In’t Hout, director of SMT. However, the company claims to be playing its part in educating others about the shipping fuel revolution.

“The shipping industry plays a vital role in tackling the global climate change crisis, supporting the movement of global trade in the most environmentally friendly way possible,” said In’t Hout, who is also specialist consultant to many shipping companies who are considering adopting greener alternative fuels.

“Making businesses around the world aware of how to manage new energy sources and cargoes safely and efficiently requires a new generation of highly skilled seafarers, and that’s where we come in. As experts in new fuels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen and ammonia, battery-powered technologies and everything from engineering to cargo handling of these products, we are the first port of call for any shipping company.

In’t Hout said that with ever-changing energy sources and fuel technology, sailors must understand how to operate passenger ships, ferries and car carriers loaded with battery-powered LNG vehicles. or hydrogen.

“SMT is playing a leading role, having pioneered LNG and Hydrogen awareness courses for shipping majors across all industries, including cruises, ferries, freight, shipbuilders and salvage. “

Many sailors working in the new fuel technology industry have been trained by SMT, according to Martin White, the company’s chief executive. “This gives them the knowledge and expertise to work safely on ships transporting or powered by greener energy sources which will help shipping meet the gigantic goal of reaching zero emissions by 2025” , did he declare.

In recent months, SMT has launched the “Training and Competence for Alternative Fuels and Systems” course to educate maritime workers and management. Candidates learn what it means to leave a carbon footprint and about the safety precautions for working with new energy sources such as hydrogen.

“Another thing we are teaching is the dangers of using hydrogen,” said In’t Hout. “It contains two water molecules that will burn if the temperature rises above 2,400 degrees. When this happens, you get pure hydrogen which is highly flammable – a real threat to a ship’s crew if a fire breaks out. The reason is that a hydrogen fire will continue to feed, which will make it extremely difficult to put out. “