EMSA organised a workshop on 20 and 21 November 2025 dedicated to the development of competences for seafarers working on board ships using alternative fuels and energy systems. This workshop was another key initiative in the continued follow-up to the TRAINALTER study, published by EMSA at the end of 2024.

The workshop aimed to stimulate further debate on the subject, including developments at both the IMO and within the wider shipping industry. Participants included representatives from the European Union, EFTA, IPA, MED, and Black and Caspian Sea maritime administrations, as well as the IMO, the European Commission, MET institutions, social partners, and classification societies.

With this diverse range of stakeholders, the workshop provided a strong platform to foster dialogue, cooperation, and collaboration across the maritime sector, an essential element in supporting a human-centred green and digital transition.

Stakeholders considered the results of the TRAINALTER study alongside other relevant work undertaken by interested parties. The feedback gathered during the workshop will contribute to the development of competence frameworks and methods for demonstrating competences not only for the training of seafarers but also for the training of surveyors and instructors.

On the second day, participants were divided into four working groups to explore, in greater depth, the perspectives of industry, administrations and MET institutions, as well as the growing importance of cybersecurity and its integration into future training programmes.

Through this workshop, EMSA continues to support Member States and the maritime community in preparing for the evolving requirements of a greener and more digital sector, particularly in relation to alternative fuels and energy systems.