Shell to recruit U.S. mariners for LNG tankers

Shell to recruit U.S. mariners for LNG tankers The U.S. Maritime Administration said another company has reached agreement to employ U.S. seamen on LNG tankers.
   MarAd said under an agreement reached by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Shell International Trading Co. will actively recruit U.S. seafarers for its growing fleet of 25 new LNG vessels, all of which will be put into service in the next four years.
   “The growing worldwide demand in the LNG industry creates a significant opportunity for the U.S. maritime industry,” said Maritime Administrator Sean T. Connaughton.
   LNG vessels are the fastest-growing segment of the international shipping industry, and require highly skilled seafarers to crew them, Connaughton said. The agreement will provide an opportunity for U.S. mariners to enhance their careers through Shell’s international and domestic ventures, he added.
   The agreement coincided with the adoption of universal training standards facilitated by his agency, which will ensure that LNG officers are trained under uniform standards in all of the maritime academies, Connaughton said.
   MarAd has negotiated similar agreements with three other companies, including LNG terminals in California and Massachusetts.