Azerbaijan has taken a significant step towards embracing the future of maritime fuel technologies, sending key representatives to a high-level seminar in Lisbon, Portugal. Organized by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), the event zeroed in on a critical question: How do we equip seafarers with the right competencies to operate ships powered by alternative fuels and energy systems?
Sabuhi Orujov, Head of the Seafarers’ Documentation Department, and Rustam Aslanli, Senior Specialist at the Training and Certification Center, carried the Azerbaijani flag at this pivotal gathering. The seminar wasn’t just about talking shop—it was a deep dive into adapting the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) to keep pace with rapid technological change. With alternative fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol gaining traction, the need for specialized training has never been more urgent.
The discussions didn’t stop at curriculum updates. Experts also tackled regulatory hurdles, safety protocols, and the nitty-gritty of bunkering operations. International experience was shared, offering a global perspective on managing the risks and rewards of these emerging energy systems. For Azerbaijan, this was a golden opportunity to learn from the best and bring those insights back home.
Sabuhi Orujov expressed confidence that the seminar would open doors to stronger cooperation with the European Commission, the International Maritime Organization, and industry leaders. “This is about more than just learning,” Orujov said. “It’s about building partnerships and adopting advanced practical approaches that will elevate the training and certification of our seafarers.”
As the maritime industry steers towards a greener horizon, Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a proactive player. By investing in the competencies of its seafarers, the country isn’t just keeping up with the times—it’s setting the stage for a sustainable and skilled maritime workforce ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of alternative fuels.