New Maritime House in Singapore to support seafarers and drive industry innovation

The Maritime House will provide affordable accommodation, advanced training facilities, and collaboration opportunities, as part of efforts to transform Singapore’s maritime workforce.

Murali Pillai, Minister of State for Law and Transport, recently addressed Singapore’s maritime community during the Singapore Maritime Foundation’s New Year Conversations event. Among the highlights of his speech was the launch of the new Maritime House, a facility aimed at supporting seafarers and maritime professionals amidst industry transformation.

MOS Murali described the maritime workforce as the sector’s lifeblood emphasising the importance of continuous development to navigate the evolving industry. With the shift towards saving energy, upgrading workers’ skills has become essential. The Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF), set up in April 2024, is leading this charge.

Through partnerships with 51 industry leaders, the METF has developed courses that equip maritime workers to handle alternative fuels like methanol and ammonia safely. Since its inception, 430 personnel have completed training, with a target to train 10,000 workers by the 2030s.

The role of the new Maritime House

• Support seafarers: Providing affordable accommodation for seafarers transiting through Singapore, ensuring their wellbeing during their stay.
• Foster Learning: A resource hub for maritime training facilities as well as research and development
• Stronger safety: Serving as one of the decentralised sites for METF

Recognising the need for a comprehensive approach to talent development, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) launched the Joint Office for Talent and Skills. This initiative focuses on:

• Skills training: Delivering sector-specific courses tailored to the needs of maritime sector.
• Career support: Connecting talent with industry partners, including shipowners, operators, and service providers.
• Manpower planning: Providing companies with advice on workforce strategies, including self-assessment outcomes under the COMPASS framework.
• Ground sensing: Consolidating insights from industry stakeholders to inform future policy improvements.

Looking ahead, MPA will host a Maritime Circle of HR InnOvators (CHRO), Forum in the first quarter of 2025. This platform will address talent challenges and highlight initiatives for attracting and developing maritime talent. Additionally, MPA will collaborate with industry partners and Institutes of Higher Learning to learn on areas such as redesigning maritime roles to make careers more appealing and expanding the talent pool.

MOS Murali concluded by saying: “I invite all partners to explore the range of exciting opportunities and support that Maritime Singapore offers through the Joint Office and METF.”

Photo: MOS Murali's Facebook