Proman joins The University of Trinidad and Tobago to launch Cadets Apprenticeship Training Programme

Proman partners with the University of Trinidad and Tobago to deliver Deck Cadet training onboard the new fleet of methanol fuelled, energy efficient vessels.

Port of Spain, 15th November 2022 – Leading methanol and ammonia producer Proman and The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) are pleased to announce the launch of the Deck Cadets Apprenticeship Training for students completing their certification in the Diploma in Maritime Operations – Navigation Programme.

From left to right: Deck Cadets Jared Odain Samaroo and Dylan Williams on board the Stena Pro Patria with Chief Engineer Sergejs Sergeevs.

Through this initiative, UTT Deck Cadets have been enrolled in practical training for one (1) year on-board the new Proman Stena Bulk fleet of methanol fuelled vessels. To date, four (4) Deck Cadets have commenced assignments. We congratulate the following students on their selection to participate in our inaugural programme:
• Assigned to the Stena Pro Patria: Deck Cadet Jared Odain Samaroo, and Deck Cadet Dylan Williams.
• Assigned to the Stena Pro Marine: Deck Cadet Eric O’Neal, and Deck Cadet Justyn Kanta Persad
Proman is committed to creating opportunities to develop young people’s skills and expand Trinidad and Tobago’s marine industry expertise. The experiential learning delivered by the programme will position the Deck Cadets to acquire the skills needed to navigate the maritime sector into a more sustainable future for shipping.

From Left to right: Stephan Nanan – UTT’s Liaison with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Captain Rawle Baddaloo – Special Advisor to UTT, Deck Cadet Eric O’Neal, Vivian Rambarath-Parasram – UTT’s Assistant Professor / Director & Head of the MTCC Caribbean Centre for Maritime and Ocean Studies, Claus Cronberger – Managing Director Proman Limited, Deck Cadet Justyn Kanta Persad, Captain Master Olegs Seutkins and Chief Engineer Jurijs Cmils of the Stena Pro Marine.

The UTT’s Maritime Programme was first introduced in 2006 and has since trained and accredited more than 120 Deck Seafarers and 60 Engineering Seafarers. The primary objective of all Maritime programmes offered at the University is to develop the expertise to fuel the growth of the local and regional Maritime Industry. Students graduating from their respective programmes will also obtain a professional Certificate of Competency issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency – United Kingdom, which will enable them to seek full time employment onboard vessels as a Deck Officer both locally and internationally.

From Left to right: Aleeya Ali – Managing Director Proman Operations, Anu-Radha Maharaj – OJT Admin for Maritime Studies at UTT, Deck Cadet Dylan Williams, Captain Master Kirils Pivovarovs and Chief Engineer Sergejs Sergeevs of the Stena Pro Patria, Deck Cadet Jared Odain-Samaroo, and Captain Rawle Baddaloo – Special Advisor to UTT.

The launch of this Apprenticeship Programme comes at a time when Proman is getting ready to host in Trinidad the naming ceremony for the Stena Pro Patria, the first in Proman Stena Bulk’s fleet of six (6) next generation low-emission methanol-powered vessels.

Claus Cronberger, Managing Director of Proman Trinidad remarked: “Proman is extremely proud to be launching this exciting new Apprenticeship Programme with UTT. Our Deck Cadets will have the unique experience of joining Proman’s first methanol powered state-of-the-art vessels, and over the coming months will have the opportunity to develop their professional expertise supporting the long-term growth of Trinidad and Tobago’s local Maritime Industry. This is an important milestone for Proman combining our commitment to developing youth skills, while also supporting the maritime industry’s drive to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and cleaner shipping future.”

Vivian Rambarath-Parasram, UTT’s Assistant Professor, Director & Head of the MTCC Caribbean, Centre for Maritime and Ocean Studies, commenting on the University’s behalf noted: “This is a very important venture, and we are happy to partner with Proman to further support the University’s mission to develop the Seafarers within Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. We are also privileged to host the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre for the Caribbean at the UTT, which is dedicated to building capacity for decarbonising shipping, and we thank Proman for sharing their expertise and demonstrating the use of methanol as a marine fuel. We look forward to Proman playing a leading role in providing alternative marine fuels in the region thereby facilitating implementation of the IMO’s strategy for reducing GHG emissions from ships. The IMO’s GHG strategy aims for a reduction of carbon intensity in international shipping, to reduce CO2 emissions per transport work as an average across international shipping by at least 40% by 2030 pursuing efforts towards 70% by 2050, compared to 2008.”

Deck Cadet Eric O’Neal, currently assigned to the Stena Pro Marine, remarked: “Being able to acquire my base training on-board a modernised vessel with environmental conservation as a focus, provides me with the knowledge essential for my future development. I see the Maritime Sector heading towards the use of cleaner vessels and I am proud to participate in the University’s venture with Proman to have us young nationals on-board these vessels to develop Trinidad and Tobago’s workforce.”

Additionally, Deck Cadet Dylan Williams, assigned to the Stena Pro Patria shared his reflections on the programme: “I previously worked in the Energy Industry and decided to make the transition to a career within the Maritime Sector through the University of Trinidad and Tobago. I’ve always loved working to support the Energy Industry, so this programme provided a perfect fit for me to contribute further to the Sector’s development. I consider this to be a once in a lifetime opportunity to be aligned with a company that is helping the environment, while being on-board a vessel that is utilising a cleaner fuel such as methanol.”

 

Proman is pleased to support the valuable efforts of The University of Trinidad and Tobago to create opportunities for young people to drive innovation across the Energy Industry and the wider Maritime Sector. As the leading investor and employer in the country’s Downstream Petrochemical Sector, Proman remains committed to supporting Trinidad and Tobago’s national development and the transition to a cleaner energy future.