Shell LNG program creates new opportunities for AMO officers

Shell LNG program creates new opportunities for AMO officers

With a substantial group of officers who have recent experience on liquefied natural gas carriers and a pioneering program for its membership to acquire the required training for work in the international LNG trades, American Maritime Officers is uniquely prepared to meet the growing demand for qualified officers in expanding LNG transportation markets.

Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Feb. 8 announced it will begin recruiting U.S. mariners for the company's growing portfolio of managed international LNG vessels.

AMO is involved in ongoing contract discussions with Shell Trading. The union anticipates AMO officers with recent LNG experience will begin work with Shell in the immediate future sailing in senior positions. As more openings become available in the LNG fleet managed by Shell Trading, AMO officers with LNG recency are prepared to sail aboard Shell LNG carriers. AMO officers sailing in senior positions with Shell would work under AMO contract with all required benefit contributions to the AMO Plans.

Shell International Trading and Shipping Company recently expanded its vessel management portfolio when an agreement was formalized with Nakilat Shipping (Qatar) Ltd. to provide shipping and maritime services for Nakilat's fleet of 25 newbuild LNG carriers.

With the growth in global gas consumption, and unprecedented expansion in the LNG fleet, demand for qualified LNG officers has grown significantly in recent years, leading to shortages throughout the international industry. In 2008 alone, a total of 55 LNG newbuilds are scheduled for delivery to several owner/operators worldwide, and the shortage of qualified officers is expected to become more severe in the LNG sector.

In addition to a large pool of qualified LNG officers with recency, AMO is unique among U.S. officers' unions in the ability to provide its membership with the necessary training to meet stringent international standards for LNG officers.

In 2007, the LNG Tankship Liquefied Gases course provided by RTM STAR Center was certified to the standards of the Society of International Gas Tanker & Terminal Operators (SIGTTO). RTM STAR Center is a division of the AMO Safety & Education Plan and the primary training provider for AMO officers.

STAR Center is the first and only training institution in the U.S. and one of a very small number in the world to provide LNG training certified to SIGTTO standards.

STAR Center has provided AMO members with the LNG Tankship Liquefied Gases course since 1998. STAR Center has expanded the program to include an LNG simulation course on the MPRI liquid cargo simulator. Both courses are certified by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The LNG training program at STAR Center remains in high demand among AMO officers preparing for careers in LNG marine transportation. To date, about 300 AMO officers have completed the LNG Tankship Liquefied Gases course, and approximately 80 have completed the liquefied gas simulation course on the MPRI simulator.

The union continues to develop a unique observation program to provide its members with the necessary liquefied gas STCW endorsement. This developing program is intended to give AMO the ongoing ability to expand its base of officers with LNG recency and the qualifications to sail in the international LNG trades.

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