RAPID investment in next-generation vessels across Asia must be matched by a sharp increase in crew training to avoid catastrophic safety failures, marine insurer The Swedish Club warned.
Strong market conditions and a push toward decarbonization have sparked a wave of orders across Asia for advanced vessels, particularly those powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and alternative fuels. However, marine insurers caution that the seafaring workforce is not keeping pace with the highly technical demands of these new ships. While the sophisticated technology on modern vessels is designed to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, it creates a new layer of operational risk if mariners lack the proper expertise.
“Asia is investing in new ships, but new ships need new skills,” said Julia Ju, regional executive director of Team Hong Kong at The Swedish Club. “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.”
The insurer notes that the core risk has shifted from mechanical failure to human management. A modern vessel cannot mitigate danger if the crew lacks the confidence or experience to navigate its complex systems.
While The Swedish Club has increased its frequency of loss-prevention and crew seminars this year, Ju emphasized that short-term workshops are no longer enough. Instead, the maritime sector requires a structural overhaul in how it prepares seafarers.
“The industry needs more systematic training, stronger safety management and better situational awareness on board,” Ju said. “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.”
The Swedish Club, established in 1872, is a mutual marine insurance company owned and controlled by its members, providing P&I, hull, and machinery coverage worldwide.
