(NEWS) Four WMU Research Projects Highlighted at IMO’s HTW11

March

2025

Four WMU Research Projects Highlighted at HTW11

At the 11th session of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW), the World Maritime University (WMU) presented key research and development on the Train-the-Trainer programme on alternative fuels at MTCC Asia, seafarer sustainability, work/rest hours, and food security.

Train-the-Trainer on Alternative Fuels

On 10 February, WMU participated in a collaborative presentation titled "Development of a training framework on alternative fuels, supporting the maritime industry, and maritime education and training". The presentation showcased the ongoing progress and outcomes of the "Baseline Training Framework for Seafarers in Decarbonization" project. Professor Momoko Kitada emphasized the effectiveness of the Train-the-Trainer programme in providing maritime professionals with crucial knowledge about alternative fuels such as Ammonia, Methanol, and Hydrogen. This success paved the way for the next implementation phase at MTCC Asia in Shanghai, further expanding capacity development initiatives within the sector. The presentation garnered significant attention from member States, Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) and Non-governmental Organization (NGO) representatives, underscoring the global dedication to enhancing maritime education and training for a sustainable, decarbonized future.

The training is commissioned by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJT-TF). The project is a collaborative effort involving numerous stakeholders, such as the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), and Lloyd's Register Foundation. It aims to develop a baseline training framework to equip seafarers with the skills required as the shipping industry transitions to zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Seafarer Sustainability

On 11 February, Professor Momoko Kitada presented Deep Dive into Backcasting Maritime Education and Training (MET), Focusing on Women and Africa for Seafarer Sustainability, part of WMU’s “Deep Dives” research project funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation. The project examines seafarer sustainability as a global socio-economic challenge and aims to enhance gender inclusivity and workforce resilience, particularly for women and African seafarers. It identifies gaps in MET frameworks and proposes strategic interventions for policymakers, industry leaders, and training institutions to attract, recruit, and retain skilled seafarers.

The full project report will be launched on 27 March 2025, offering stakeholders valuable and critical insights into the future of MET and seafarer sustainability. The report supports WMU’s commitment to advancing maritime research and fostering discussions that drive meaningful change in the industry.

Seafarer Work/Rest Hours

On 12 February, Professor Raphael Baumler and Captain Dr. Bikram S. Bhatia presented Quantifying an Inconvenient Truth, a 2024 study on work/rest hour regulations. Building on the 2020 A Culture of Adjustment report, the study confirms persistent implementation and enforcement challenges. Recordkeeping adjustments continue to distort the feedback loop between ships and authorities, preventing regulations from effectively mitigating fatigue as required by the STCW 78 as amended. These failures pose significant risks to ship safety and seafarers’ occupational health.

Funded by the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, this research informs IMO, ILO member states, and social partners, reinforcing decades of evidence on the need for stronger regulatory oversight and compliance.

GHG Reduction & Food Security

At the 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82), the IMO reviewed findings from the Comprehensive Impact Assessment (CIA) on mid-term GHG reduction measures. Recognizing potential risks to food security, the committee agreed to conduct further assessments on the impact of rising maritime transport costs on essential food commodities and agricultural inputs.

WMU is leading a literature review on how GHG measures could contribute to price volatility and cost surges in food supply chains. Member States, international organizations, and UN bodies such as the FAO and WFP are contributing relevant research. The WMU research supports the IMO’s commitment to balancing environmental sustainability with economic and social impacts, ensuring that global trade policies do not compromise food security, particularly in vulnerable regions.

On 13 February, Professors Aykut Ölcer and Fabio Ballini presented WMU’s findings at the IMO’s GHG-Expert Workshop (GHG-EW 6), analyzing the impact of GHG policies on food security, especially in import-dependent developing nations. The insights, developed in collaboration with FAO, will be compiled into a comprehensive report for submission to MEPC 83.

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