A cross-sector consortium comprising the marine fuels training, conference and publishing firm ship.energy, shipping and logistics company DFDS, IBIA – The International Bunker Industry Association, and the University of Plymouth has been successful in its application for funding under the sixth round of the UK’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition.

The Skills 4 Future Maritime Fuels project will be funded by the UK Government through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme in the Department for Transport. Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the main delivery partner for UK SHORE interventions. UK SHORE is focused on developing a more sustainable maritime sector in tandem with driving economic growth across the UK.

The programme brings together projects from across the UK, each taking a different approach to decarbonisation.

Drawing on the expertise and extensive industry experience of the project partners, the Skills 4 Future Maritime Fuels initiative will address one of the key challenges in shipping’s energy transition: the upskilling of the workforce – at sea, in the port environment and across the fuel supply chain – to use low and zero-carbon fuels safely and in accordance with national and global regulatory frameworks.

The three-phase project will include a skills gap analysis, the development of modular training programmes covering a range of skill competencies, and real-life pilot testing.

Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes, Chairman and CEO of ship.energy, which is acting as the project lead, commented: ‘There is no doubt that there is an urgent requirement for the current and future maritime workforce to have access to comprehensive, fully accredited training that will give them the skills they need to work safely with new marine fuels and to develop their careers in an industry which is fully committed to achieving its energy transition. As the pace of decarbonisation accelerates, we must ensure that the training of onboard and shoreside workers is in step with technological innovation and regulatory developments.

‘In developing course content and structure, we will also be drawing on the experience and input of professional bodies, including the British Ports Association (BPA). I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the project partners to deliver this timely and important training initiative and I look forward to this collaboration.’

Responding to the funding award announcement, Dr Stavros Karamperidis, Head of the Maritime Transport Research Group at the University of Plymouth, said: ‘We are thrilled to work alongside industry leaders like ship.energy, DFDS, IBIA and the BPA to bridge critical skills gaps across the maritime fuel transition. By combining academic insight with real-world data, we’re shaping a workforce that is not only ready for low-carbon operations but capable of leading them.’

Dr Rong Huang, Expert in Skills Development, Training and Quality Assurance, at the University of Plymouth, said: ‘This project offers a unique opportunity to co-create future-proof training that meets real operational needs and regulatory standards. We’re excited to contribute our expertise in educational quality and workforce transformation to ensure the next generation of maritime professionals is equipped to drive sustainable change.’

Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director of IBIA – The International Bunker Industry Association, said: ‘IBIA is proud to be part of this forward-looking initiative, which directly supports the safe and effective transition to low- and zero-carbon marine fuels. As the global voice of the marine fuels industry, we are committed to driving skills development across the sector. Equipping both onboard and onshore professionals with the knowledge and competencies required to navigate the complexities of the energy transition is essential.

‘This project reflects our commitment to practical, regulatory-aligned solutions and collaborative industry progress on decarbonisation.’

Gemma Griffin, Vice President, Head of Global Crewing, DFDS, noted: ‘We’re thrilled to be part of the Skills 4 Future Maritime Fuels project – a fantastic initiative that helps us prepare our people for the future of maritime. As we continue to invest in greener vessels and cleaner energy solutions, it’s vital that our teams have the right knowledge and confidence to work safely and effectively with new technologies.

‘This project perfectly supports our ambition to cut CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030 and reach climate neutrality by 2050. At DFDS, we believe our people are at the heart of this journey – and with the right skills, they’ll help steer the industry toward a more sustainable future.’

Commenting on behalf of BPA, Rhona Macdonald, its Senior Sustainability Advisor, said: ‘This project is an important step in helping the maritime industry switch to greener fuels safely and effectively. BPA is pleased to contribute to this initiative and is committed to being part of practical, collaborative efforts that deliver real progress on decarbonisation.’