BRIDGING THE LNG KNOWLEDGE GAP IN THE BALTIC SEA REGION: THE Go LNG INITIATIVE AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMPETENCE CENTRE Dimitrios Dalaklis, Aykut I. Ölçer, Josefin A. Madjidian, Fabio Ballini, Momoko Kitada Maritime Energy Management Research Group (MarEner) World Maritime University (SWEDEN) Abstract The pressing problem of increasing air pollution levels in port cities, as well as the introduction of strict environmental regulations by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through the relevant changes in the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) -and especially those in Annex VI- made it very crucial for the maritime industry to explore different avenues of improving its environmental impact and even consider the use of alternative fuel sources. This trend is not restricted solely in the maritime domain: other means of transport, such as cars/trucks and the rail industry, are also under continuous scrutiny for their level of gasses emissions; many high level initiatives and regulations are pushing towards a framework of restricting these dangerous emissions and a tighter control on pollution in relation to internal combustion engines. For the time being, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) looks as one of the most promising solutions for this challenge. The "Go LNG" initiative is focused on the development of demand and accessibility of LNG in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). Activities associated with this strategic-in-nature project aim to promote the implementation of EU’s Clean Fuel Strategy and boost LNG usage through the whole transport chain. Among other important tasks, the establishment of a BSR LNG Competence Centre is included. The World Maritime University (WMU), along with its capacity building focus, is playing a pivotal role towards the creation of a dedicated training centre, which will be the epicentre of the analysis in hand. Previous and very relevant experiences from other similar in nature projects, such as the “On The Motorways of the Sea Network (OTMW-N)” one, provide a solid background towards success. During those already concluded research activities, LNG training modules were designed and tested by delivery both in classroom and distance learning modalities; video-streaming of the associated lectures and online tests were integrated in the delivery methods. Furthermore, a potential framework to bring together interested in LNG educational and training institutes with a maritime focus in the wider region, under the notion to materialise this important centre will be discussed. Themes and learning objectives are included, along with a brief explanation of the possible target audience. Keywords: Maritime Education and Training (MET), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Baltic Sea Region (BSR). 1 INTRODUCTION Various international - national policies and/or strategies call for a faster transition towards sustainable energy production and use 1 . Coordinated action is urgently needed, with various regulatory efforts being already underway. For example, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has recently updated the International Convention on Prevention of Pollution by Ships (MARPOL), which governs pollution from the maritime industry 2 ; the new/updated regulations in turn exercise significant influence 1 For example, on the 25th of September 2015, under the auspices of the United Nations (UN), countries adopted a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. The specific initiative is also more widely known under the following title: “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); of particular interest are Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all and Goal 12, which focuses on sustainable consumption and production patterns. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years, with the complete details being available at: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/, accessed January 2017. 2 Today, sea-going vessels are the most important means of transport; associated statistics indicate that about 90% of the total volume of global trade is borne (exclusively – or, at least partially) by sea. For a thorough analysis see: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), “Review of Maritime Transport 2016”, available at: http://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/rmt2016_en.pdf, accessed January 2017. Safe and secure shipping is a prerequisite Proceedings of INTED2017 Conference 6th-8th March 2017, Valencia, Spain ISBN: 978-84-617-8491-2 1417