Asia's rapid investment in LNG and alternative fuel vessels must be matched by greater investment in crew competence if the shipping industry is to realise the safety benefits of next-generation ships, according to The Swedish Club.

It says the growing complexity of modern vessels is increasing pressure on training, safety management and operational readiness, raising concerns over whether enough seafarers have the experience needed to operate them safely.

Julia Ju, regional executive director, team Hong Kong at The Swedish Club, said: "Asia is investing in new ships, but new ships need new skills. With more LNG and alternative fuel vessels entering the market, the industry has to be honest about whether crew training is keeping pace with the technology being put on board. A modern vessel does not remove risk if the crew are not properly prepared to operate it. The risk simply moves into the way the ship is managed, maintained and operated.

"This is not just a crewing issue. It is a casualty prevention issue. As ships become more complex, the industry has to make sure the people operating them are ready for that complexity."

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