MISC Group Collaborates with Global Maritime Leaders to Develop Future-Ready Maritime Talent and Next-Generation Ammonia Engines.
In conjunction with Malaysia Maritime Week 2023, MISC, through its entities AET and Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM), operated and managed by Malaysian Maritime Academy Sdn Bhd, has signed milestone Collaboration Agreements with WinGD and DNV. These agreements aim to drive the development of Ammonia Engines for Ammonia Dual-Fueled Vessels, marking a historical milestone as the first of its kind for deep-sea vessels. The strategic collaboration reinforces the Group’s commitment to finding sustainable and safe transition pathways to zero-emission shipping operations for MISC Group and the maritime industry.
The Agreement between AET, ALAM, and WinGD plays a crucial role in the development and training of mariners to safely manage vessels built with new technologies and ammonia engines. It focuses on research & development and enhancing current syllabuses for training maritime professionals at all levels, aligned with the low and zero-carbon pathway. This collaboration with DNV strengthens the education and training framework for the seafaring fraternity, contributing to a net-zero future for the maritime industry.
Captain Rajalingam Subramaniam, President & Group Chief Executive Officer of MISC, expressed “I am very pleased with the positive outcome of these collaborative efforts, emphasizing their significance in achieving ALAM’s goal of becoming the Maritime University of choice in Asia. my sincere appreciation to WinGD and DNV for their valuable collaboration and highlighted MISC’s commitment to fostering alliances with like-minded industry partners for a purposeful just transition in managing societal emissions.”
As part of MISC’s long-term strategy to be a green assets and solutions provider in the maritime industry, the Collaboration Agreement between AET and WinGD represents another step towards decarbonization and aligns with the company’s ambitious long-term plan. The Group continues to forge collaborations with industry players in the maritime ecosystem to accelerate its sustainable initiatives.
Dr. Rudolf Holtbecker, Director of Operations at WinGD, stated, “The success of the energy transition in shipping will require more than just technology and fuel flexibility. The crew on board these vessels need to be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to ensure safe and efficient operation. Our main engine technology will be familiar as our fuel-flexible portfolio is based on our well-proven core technology. Through our partnership with AET and ALAM, we can establish a solid foundation of knowledge and hands-on experience for the crew to operate these new vessels confidently, with safety and fuel efficiency built-in.”
Given the transformation of the global maritime industry, the collaboration with DNV is pivotal in sharing best practices within the industry. This collaboration will result in upskilling or re-skilling the current workforce to ensure their relevance and success in the new operating environment. Additionally, it aims to attract new talent with the required competencies to join the industry.
Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime at DNV, commented, “Decarbonization and digitalization are steadily transforming the maritime landscape as we collectively strive towards a net-zero future. This necessitates upskilling and training of seafarers to ensure they have the skills and competence to safely and efficiently operate new fuels and technologies introduced onboard. Our cooperation with ALAM will enable them to tap into DNV’s extensive global training network and access comprehensive training programs for both onboard and onshore personnel. This will impart best-in-class industry practices and knowledge to shape the next generation of maritime leaders.”
The signatories of these Collaboration Agreements were John Baptist, Head of Decarbonization at MISC, Dr. Carmelo Cartalemi, General Manager, Global Sales at WinGD, Khairul Azhar Bunyamin, DNV Malaysia Country Chair, and Prof. Dr. Hamdan Suhaimi, ALAM’s Chief Executive.
The witnesses of the signing included YB Datuk Haji Hasbi Habibollah, Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia, Captain Haji Mohamad Halim bin Ahmed, Director General of Marine at Malaysia Marine Department, Y.Bhg. Dato’ Normah Osman, Deputy Secretary-General Policy at the Ministry of Transport, Captain Rajalingam Subramaniam, President & Group Chief Executive Officer of MISC, Mohamed Safwan Othman, Chairman of Malaysia Shipowners’ Association (MASA), and Roger Specker, Managing Director, Singapore at WinGD.
Source MISC Berhad