Shell to recruit U.S. seafarers for international LNG fleet for first time

Shell to recruit U.S. seafarers for international LNG fleet for first time

LONDON and HOUSTON-Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Ltd. today announced it will begin recruiting U.S. seafarers for the company's growing portfolio of managed international liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels.

One of the first major oil producers to actively recruit U.S. seafarers for LNG vessels, Shell is committed to securing the most qualified seafarers for its maritime fleet operations and the United States offers an exceptional skill pool, particularly for LNG vessels.

"The recruitment drive also provides an excellent opportunity for American mariners to enhance their careers through Shell's international businesses and domestic joint ventures, such as Broadwater Energy, LLC in Long Island Sound," said Bob Salmon, general manager of shipping for Shell Trading (U.S.) Company.

The effort supports Shell's increasing vessel management portfolio, which was extended in November 2006 when Nakilat Shipping (Qatar) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Qatar Gas Transport Company Ltd. (Nakilat), formalized an agreement with Shell to provide shipping and maritime services to Nakilat's fleet of 25 newbuild LNG carriers.

"The addition of U.S. mariners will positively enhance Shell's diverse seafarer skill pool and provide Shell and Nakilat with highly experienced personnel for their LNG fleets. We're excited to work with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the U.S. maritime unions to encourage the use of U.S. officers in the LNG industry," said Salmon.

"We applaud Shell's announcement, which coincides perfectly with a universal training standards agreement facilitated recently by the Maritime Administration. That agreement standardized training and internationally accepted competencies for U.S. seafarers," said Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton.

"The growing worldwide demand in the LNG industry, including domestic proposals like Broadwater, create a significant opportunity for U.S. mariners, the U.S. maritime industry and coastal communities throughout the country," Connaughton said.

Broadwater has proposed the construction of an LNG import terminal and connecting pipeline that would help the Northeast region of the United States meet its growing need for affordable and reliable natural gas supplies. The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued its Final Environment Impact Statement recently, stating the terminal, with implementation of recommended mitigation methods, would result in fewer environmental impacts than any alternative energy sources considered.

Shell currently employs more than 500 highly qualified fleet marine officers with LNG experience around the world, and is looking to further expand its skills base, with U.S. mariners in the rapidly growing field of LNG shipping.

Shell shares LNG shipping expertise and best practices with its global partners, such as Qatar, Brunei, Nigeria and Australia. In addition to its own staff, Shell trains approximately 150 officers from its global partner countries that currently work within the Shell-managed fleet. More than 200 cadets are also undergoing training to become future officers in Shell's fleets.

Front Page

Return To Section-Front