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On Monday, November 13, 2017, Jo Ann Cantú, Chief Executive Officer for ECMTS, boarded the MS Viking Mariella, a cruise ship with round-trip ferry service from Helsinki, Finland to Stockholm, Sweden. The 8th Annual Gas-Fuelled Ships Conference was held aboard the vessel from Monday, November 13 through Wednesday, November 15, 2017. On behalf of ECMTS, Ms. Jo Ann Cantú gave a presentation on the “Training and Competence of personnel for gas-fueled ships and bunkering”.

Conference Overview – Fueling the Future of the Shipping Industry

“The conference offered a technical perspective on the innovation and investment driving the uptake of LNG, methanol and other low-flashpoint fuels in the commercial shipping sector. With a focus on knowledge sharing from a variety of projects, the conference examined the latest advances in vessel design and operation, propulsion, supply infrastructure, and associated technology.”

Excerpt from the conference program

Schedule

All conference attendees boarded the vessel and registered between 10 AM local time and 11:00 AM. At 11:30 AM, the conference began with a welcome from Chairman Lars Robert Pedersen, Deputy Secretary General, BIMCO. The keynote address was from Joacim Westerlund of Viking Line and Kari-Pekka Laaksonen, CEO, Container ships.

Day 1 had several discussions on new LNG tank designs and vessel designs, including discussions of different hybrid technologies. Day 2 dealt with the various bunkering and LNG transfer systems and compatibility concerns. Several speakers discussed in detail the incompatibility issues between the different connections a ship manifold station and shoreside bunkering station used. Day 3 did a great job of summarizing the conference and presenting a panel discussion of future fuel systems other than LNG and other alternative hybrid solutions. Overall, it was a very informative conference.

Due to the lack of the number of LNGCs or LNG fuelled vessels in comparison to the overall worldwide tonnage, there is a shortage of trained/experienced seafarers (officers and ratings) for the carriage and handling (loading and discharging) of LNG cargoes.

In addition, there are probably even fewer seafarers (especially engineers) trained in operating and/or bunkering vessels using non-hydrocarbon burning engines, ECM Training Services (ECMTS) told LNG Shipping News,

“So in our opinion, there is a strong demand for training or will be soon,” said Jo Ann Cantú, Chief Operating Officer, ECMTS, which is based in Houston, Texas.

Although the courses do not offer simulation training, there is plenty of video training and true life experiences incorporated in the e-learning programmes. DNV GL accredited ECMTS is also capable of offering on board training and/or the ability to travel worldwide to deliver a company specific course at a venue of a client’s choice.

Within the next few years, the US is expected to become the world’s largest exporter of LNG. That means more LNGC port calls to the US and LNG fuelled vessels calling in the US for bunkers.

“Our advice would be to start the programmes sooner, rather than later while there is still ample time to have seafarers trained. Our courses will touch base on LNG equipment, LNG ancillary systems, the basics of LNG, LNG cargo operations, including bunkering, engine control systems, as well as logistics and commercial uses,” Cantú advised. “Operators who select training now will be more attractive to owners who have LNGCs or LNG fuelled vessels for management.”

ECM Training Services (ECMTS) is currently offering two 90-day LNG courses – LNG Cargo Operations and LNG as a Marine Fuel – as on line training programmes. https://ecmtrainingservices.com  email:  info@ecmtrainingservices.com

Article written by Ian Cochran, editor of the Annual LNG Shipping Review and the LNG Shipping News, both published by the LNG Journal. Contact Mr. Ian Cochran via email: cochran@tankeroperator.com

https://lngjournal.com/index.php/shipping-news-old/item/92744-training-an-issue-going-forward

Houston, TX, October 6, 2015—ECM Training Services, LLC held an interactive seminar on “Pursuing ECA Compliance: Is LNG As A Marine Fuel Viable” at Minute Maid Park in Houston, TX on September 22-23. Over 45 participants gathered to hear from an impressive group of industry experts, who shared their knowledge and expertise on LNG.

“This seminar became a part of a very important and ongoing discussion about LNG as a Marine Fuel,” stated Mike Minogue, CEO of ECM Training Services. “The expert panelists we assembled are at the forefront of these LNG discussions. They are the industry’s “think tank” or “thought leaders,” as their expertise and knowledge regarding LNG is sought after around the world. Participants learned an invaluable amount of information including the viability of LNG as an alternative fuel, what it costs and how to deliver it.”

Seminar panelists covered a variety of topics including the basics of LNG, equipment and cargo handling, safety and risk, regulations and training. Participants engaged in a number of interactive discussions regarding the issues facing the industry today and the ongoing initiatives to influence LNG for Marine Fuel.

Panelists included Tony Teo, LNG Business Director for Keppel; Ganesen Manickam, CEO, Bendwaters Pvt Ltd; Renee Klimczak, Managing Director, Galway Group Energy Advisors; CDR Gretchen Bailey (USCG), commanding officer of Marine Safety Unit in Houma, LA; Aziz Bamik, General Manager of GTT N. America; Aaron Brown, (Senior Consultant, DNV GL; Lindsay Deal, Deputy Section Manager for the Quantitative Risk Analysis Group, DNV GL; and John Hatley, VP Ship Power for Wartsila North America.

“The most pertinent issues facing the maritime industry surrounding the use of LNG as a fuel were addressed,” said Minogue. “By creating this unique forum to have these important conversations, participants are now able to effectively help their business make smart decisions regarding their use of LNG.”

Participant feedback:

“It was a pleasure to have been at the [ECM seminar]. It was an impressive gathering. I’ll be able to incorporate a lot of the discussions from the seminar into my working group. “

“Thank you for a very stimulating conference with excellent networking opportunities and interesting speakers/participants.”

“Thanks for putting together such an informative event. The future of LNG as a fuel is bright.”

“Thanks for organizing a first-rate seminar!”

“Many thanks for putting on a fantastic seminar. Hope to stay in touch with ECM Training Services as the LNG [market] goes through this interesting time of development.”

About ECM Training Services

ECM Training Services offers a suite of accredited online maritime skills and training courses presented by respected industry leaders and tailored to the maritime industry’s major shipping companies and/or their vessel manning partners. With its extensive portfolio of accredited online course offerings, ECM Training Services makes learning convenient for shipping crews and shore based staff alike. Vessel owners/operators, manning and training centers, as well as personnel at facilities, terminals and charterers can enrich their maritime knowledge and skills through these flexible course offerings.

Parent company ECM Group acquired ECM Maritime Services LLC in 2009 in order to merge its experience, resources and expertise with other ECM Group Companies. Providing OPA 90 services to the maritime industry and with offices worldwide, ECM Maritime has grown to become one of the world’s leading regulatory consulting, compliance, and emergency response companies in the maritime industry.

Norwalk, CT, Sept. 21, 2015—ECM Training Services, LLC will offer a five-course, certification program in LNG Cargo Operations, a must for maritime professionals facing today’s challenges of transporting LNG, one of the fastest growing sources of fuel. ECM Training Services comprehensive suite of maritime educational programs are available online today at www.ecmtrainingservices.com.

“The worldwide share of LNG trade has swelled from 6% in 1970 to over 30% today. Because of this increased popularity, the maritime industry is faced with the challenges of transporting it and maintaining the security of the cargo and the crew,”

Our LNG program incorporates the most up-to-date procedures with the most current information to inform and prepare course participants to deal with real-world scenarios. And, the convenience of having an online program like this (and all of our courses) is that it allows individuals to take advantage of such education on their own time.

The LNG Cargo Operations Program is comprised of six courses: LNG BASICS, LNG Equipment, LNG Ancillary Systems, LNG Security and LNG Commercial.

“Working with and transporting LNG is a specialization that requires a highly-skilled and knowledgeable crew,” said Minogue. “The supply of qualified and experienced crew to man these specialist vessels is unable to keep up with the demand. Hence, qualified crew members are highly sought after and well-rewarded.”

Developed with the guidance of relevant industry experts and institutions, ECM Training Services suite of courses also includes Ship Superintendent General; Ship Superintendent – Marine; Ship Superintendent – Technical; Breakbulk Shipping; Maritime Logistics; Marine Engineering; and Ship Operations.

All courses are certified and/or accredited and individuals are issued a certificate of achievement from ECM Training Services upon successful completion within the time allowed. All courses begin on the first of every month, and are available on a rolling basis. All ECM Training Services courses run on a platform based on a proven experiential learning model which employs an engaging kick-off session, followed by e-Book self-study, quizzes, homework assignments, and virtual labs.

Registration is available now. Registrants choose when and where to begin their program. Visit here for more information on courses and to register.