​​Supporting the decarbonisation of the ports and maritime ecosystem​

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Maritime

​​Supporting the decarbonisation of the ports and maritime ecosystem​

Working in partnership with Powering Skills and Skills Insight, Industry Skills Australia will facilitate this project to review and identify gaps in skills and knowledge related to the storage, handling, and operational use of alternate fuels in the Maritime and Ports industries. This evidence-base will be used to inform Training Package reviews to enable upskilling of seafarers and associated workers to support workforce readiness for decarbonisation.

Completion due 30 June 2027
About the project

Project overview

Maritime decarbonisation is accelerating in Australia and globally. This shift is driving the adoption of multifuel and low emission vessels powered by alternate fuels such as ammonia, LNG, methanol and electricity. As a result, seafarers and workers across the maritime and transport sectors, including port operators, pilots, shipbuilders, stevedores and emergency responders, must develop new skills to safely handle these emerging fuels and technologies. 

This cross-JSC project will review existing Maritime (MAR) and Transport and Logistics (TLI) training qualifications to ensure alignment with evolving technologies and regulatory requirements. It will determine where updates to nationally endorsed training packages are needed, helping to prepare the workforce for a modern, low emissions maritime industry. Working with partner JSCs, the project will also consider related sectors such as fishing, aquaculture and tourism. 

Why this matters

What it means for industry

As operations transition to low and zero-emissions fuels, industry must adapt quickly to maintain safe, efficient and compliant operations. The cost of not acting is significant. Without a properly prepared workforce, businesses face increased safety risks, potential supply chain disruptions and the risk of falling behind evolving international standards. 

By addressing skills gaps now, this project helps ensure seafarers and associated roles can safely and competently operate in a multifuel environment. It will, support business continuity, strengthening supply chain resilience and help position Australia’s maritime and ports sectors to remain competitive as global expectations continue to evolve. 

Project

What will be delivered

The project will deliver a report that: 

  • Identifies the job roles and skills across the ports and maritime ecosystem that will need to handle alternate energy sources  
  • Lists the qualifications, Skill Sets and Units of Competency recommended for revision, including the nature of proposed changes. 
  • Findings may also inform training package updates for partner Jobs and Skills Councils in adjacent industries. 

How this will be achieved 

To develop the report, ISA will work in collaboration with partner Jobs and Skills Councils to: 

  • Identify new and alternative fuels impacting Australia’s maritime and ports sectors, including the likely scale of change and associated timelines. 
  • Conduct an occupational analysis to identify and validate the roles most affected by decarbonisation. 
  • Conduct a training analysis to identify specific reskilling and upskilling requirements. 
  • Assess the impact on existing training package qualifications, skill sets and units of competency and identify where new products may be needed.