The Maritime Skills Commission (MSC) has marked progress on developing green skills to drive the transition to net zero in its second annual report, released today.

In July 2021, the MSC held its first evidence gathering session around what will be required to ensure workers can adapt and transfer from existing areas to the 1.7 million green roles that could be created by 2030. At least 900,000 of these are expected to relate to energy efficiency and low-carbon heating.

And next month at COP26, the MSC will be hearing from a range of speakers across the industry about what will be required to retrain their staff to transition to tomorrow’s green economy.

The findings will be included in a recommendation paper launched next year.

Sarah Kenny OBE, Chair of Maritime UK, said:

“While the eyes of the world look towards COP26, net zero will equally depend on the people and skills within industries like maritime, long after international leaders have left Glasgow.

“This is why the work of the Maritime Skills Commission is so crucial, so we can provide the tools, resources, and direction to the one million workers employed in our industry, so their ingenuity can be put to work for the future of our environment.”

A Cadet Training & Modernisation Programme has also been established today, to improve the UK sector’s international standing and attract foreign investment into the country.

This is the first step of the implementation of the MSC’s Seafarer Cadet Review recommendations, published in June.  A Cadet Training & Modernisation Oversight Committee has been set up to report to the Maritime Minister on progress, including seven industry leaders drawn from business, the MSC, and the civil service.

Other highlights over the past 12 months include a new MSC led project prioritising soft skills and behaviours across management and all levels in the UK maritime sector, for more progress on inclusion.

A digital learning report was launched in March, learning the lessons of lockdown, and making a series of recommendations for getting the most benefit from online learning.

And the annual report also highlights progress on exporting maritime education and training, as well as establishing a new qualification on careers in maritime ashore.

Robert Courts MP, Maritime Minister, said:

“From post-pandemic recovery to the challenges of decarbonising the sector – the maritime landscape as we know it is changing.

“We’ve already set the global standard for seafarer education and the introduction of new qualifications and reform training will help ensure the industry is equipped to nurture talent and grow skills, keeping the UK at the forefront of international maritime.”

The Commission is chaired by Professor Graham Baldwin, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Central Lancashire, and was established in 2020 by the Department for Transport and Maritime UK as part of the implementation of Maritime 2050.

Professor Graham Baldwin, Chair of the Maritime Skills Commission, said:

“Since the MSC was formed 18 months ago, we have progressed at pace to support our sector through the pandemic, and to understand what ‘build back better’ means for skills.

“Responding to climate change is an era-defining challenge, and while there has been a huge focus on technology, we have yet to see a robust road map on how we ensure this is a just transition for those working in carbon-related industries.

“We are determined to help lead this conversation and are committed to working closely with colleagues across the sector to ensure we continue to deliver against our objectives.”

The Commission reports to the Maritime Minister and the National Council of Maritime UK and has seven main objectives all targeted towards improving the skills and employability in the UK maritime sector.