The shipping industry has always been about change. We’ve gone from sails to steam, from heavy oil to LNG, and now the next big transition is already happening. With leaders of varying countries pushing for net zero targets, shipowners and operators are having to consider alternative fuels such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. These are not just future projects. Some companies are already making the switch. Many ships on our seas now run on these fuels, and early projects are showing what is possible for the future of maritime energy.

Opportunities and Risks of Alternative Fuels

New fuels bring optimism and fresh opportunities. They give shipowners the chance to push engineering further and rethink how ships are powered. Methanol is already being used by major container lines. Ammonia is attracting investment as a genuine zero-carbon option. Hydrogen is finding its role in short-sea and specialist shipping.

Together, these fuels could reshape shipping into an industry that is cleaner and more sustainable for decades to come. But innovation always comes with risk. They behave very differently from heavy oil or even LNG. A flame you cannot see, a gas that can ignite with the smallest spark, a liquid that is toxic to touch, these are not problems that crews can guess their way through. They require preparation, knowledge and above all, proper training.

Why Safety Training is Critical

A future-ready fleet is not only about new engines or bunkering systems. It is about people who know how to handle these fuels safely. Safety training is what turns unfamiliar technology into everyday practice.

Take ammonia. A spill at sea could make the environment toxic in seconds if the crew does not know how to respond. Hydrogen is so volatile that safe handling and strict routines are essential at all times. Even methanol, already used more widely, requires new thinking when it comes to fire safety because the flames are almost invisible. Without training, these are not just technical challenges. They are accidents waiting to happen.

Building Confidence, Not Just Compliance

At Stream Marine Technical, we believe training should go beyond the regulatory box-tick. Crews need to leave feeling confident, not just certified. That is why our courses are immersive and practical. We use live simulations, real-world drills and trainers who explain not just what to do but why it matters.

The aim is simple. When a seafarer walks out of the classroom and back onto a vessel, they should feel ready. Ready to protect themselves, their colleagues and their ship. Confidence underpins safe operations, and confidence only comes from training that feels real.

Why Businesses Need to Prepare Now

It is tempting to think there is still time. Regulations are still developing, and widespread adoption may feel a few years away. But waiting comes with risk. Methanol-powered ships are already sailing. Ammonia-fuelled vessels are moving from design to construction. Hydrogen projects are advancing fast. The momentum is real, and it is not slowing down.

Companies that delay will be left scrambling. Those who act now, investing in training, preparing their crews and embedding safety into daily routines, will be ready to meet both regulatory demands and client expectations when these fuels become the norm.

What does this mean for you?

Future fuels are not ideas on the horizon. They are already shaping global shipping. Methanol, ammonia and hydrogen bring exciting opportunities, but they also bring risks. Those risks can only be managed by the people handling them every day.

Preparing your crews now is the smartest step you can take towards a safer, greener fleet. At Stream Marine Technical, we are proud to be helping companies bridge that gap,  turning new fuels into practical reality through training that is professional, engaging and grounded in real experience.

The transition to net zero will not be won by technology alone. It will be won by people who are prepared, confident and trained to handle the fuels of the future.

Training for New Fuels at SMT

It is one thing to talk about the risks of methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. It is another to give crews the chance to practise for them in a safe, controlled environment. That is what our New Fuel Technology courses are built for.

We focus on the practical realities of working with alternative fuels. Crews learn how each behaves, why they differ from conventional bunkers, and the right steps for storage, handling and emergency response.

  • Ammonia safety: understanding toxicity, protective measures and emergency action.

  • Hydrogen awareness: learning how to manage volatility and ignition risks.

  • Methanol handling: bunkering procedures and fire safety drills for invisible flames.

Our trainers have real seagoing experience, so they know the challenges first-hand. The result is more than compliance. It is confidence, built through interactive drills and simulations that make lessons stick.

FAQs

What are future fuels in shipping?
Future fuels include methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. They are being introduced to help the shipping industry meet net zero targets by reducing emissions.

Why do crews need training for ammonia, hydrogen and methanol?
Each fuel behaves differently from conventional bunkers. Training ensures crews understand the risks and can handle, store and respond to incidents safely.

Does the International Maritime Organization require training for new fuels?
Yes. As part of the drive to net zero, the IMO is developing safety standards for alternative fuels. Companies are expected to prepare their crews ahead of adoption.

What future fuel training does Stream Marine Technical offer?
SMT delivers New Fuel Technology courses covering ammonia, hydrogen and methanol. Training includes theory, hands-on drills and emergency response.

How long do SMT’s New Fuel Technology courses take?
Course length varies by module, but SMT offers flexible training schedules to minimise time away from sea while ensuring full competency.