ILO Strengthens Global Port Safety Skills Through Specialized Bulk Cargo Training Programme

The International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO), has successfully concluded a comprehensive five-week online training programme designed to enhance safety standards and strengthen professional skills in bulk cargo operations across the global port industry. The initiative brought together port professionals, instructors, maritime specialists, and training experts from multiple countries, reinforcing international efforts to improve workplace safety and operational efficiency in one of the world’s most critical economic sectors.

Conducted between 27 April and 29 May 2026 through the ITCILO’s online learning platform, the programme focused on equipping trainers with the knowledge and instructional skills needed to deliver high-quality safety training for portworkers engaged in bulk cargo handling. The course forms part of the ILO’s broader commitment to promoting decent work, occupational safety, workforce development, and sustainable growth within the maritime and transport industries.

Ports serve as the backbone of international trade, facilitating the movement of goods and raw materials that support economies worldwide. However, bulk cargo operations often involve demanding working environments where workers are exposed to heavy machinery, hazardous materials, moving equipment, and complex logistics processes. Ensuring that portworkers receive proper training is therefore essential for reducing workplace accidents, improving productivity, and maintaining efficient port operations.

During the opening session, Tariq Haq, Head of the Transport and Maritime Sectors Unit within the ILO’s Labour Governance and Sectoral Policies Department, highlighted the urgent need for greater investment in workforce training throughout the port sector. He noted that while more than 80 percent of global trade by volume moves through ports, a significant proportion of workers in dry bulk terminals continue to be classified as unskilled. This skills gap increases the risk of workplace accidents and can limit the effectiveness of safety management systems in port environments.

The training programme attracted participants from a diverse range of organizations involved in maritime operations and workforce development. Representatives came from port authorities, labour unions, maritime universities, vocational training centres, government agencies, and private terminal operators across Brazil, Cambodia, the Dominican Republic, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, and the United Arab Emirates.

A total of 19 participants successfully completed all programme requirements and were awarded Certificates of Achievement by ITCILO, recognizing their enhanced expertise in port safety training and instructional delivery.

The course combined flexible self-paced learning modules with live instructor-led virtual workshops, allowing participants to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The curriculum was based on the ILO’s Chief Instructors’ Manual and Instructor’s Guide, internationally recognized resources developed to support high-quality training in port operations.

Participants engaged in a range of interactive learning activities, including competency assessments, peer-review exercises, and practical microteaching sessions designed to strengthen their ability to train others effectively. These exercises provided opportunities for participants to practice delivering lessons, receive feedback from peers and instructors, and refine their communication and instructional techniques.

Training modules covered a broad spectrum of topics related to dry bulk cargo handling and terminal operations. Participants studied safe working practices in bulk terminals, cargo loading and unloading procedures, operational planning, risk management, supervision techniques, and the operation of specialized equipment such as quayside gantry cranes. Additional emphasis was placed on accident prevention strategies, hazard identification, emergency preparedness, and the promotion of safety cultures within port organizations.

The programme received financial and technical support from the Republic of Korea, reflecting the importance of international cooperation in improving labour standards and workforce development across global supply chains. Through such partnerships, countries and international organizations are working together to strengthen occupational safety, enhance professional skills, and improve working conditions for transport and logistics workers worldwide.

The training initiative forms part of the ILO’s long-running Portworker Development Programme (PDP), which has been a cornerstone of global maritime workforce training for more than three decades. First launched in 1994, the programme was created to provide comprehensive training materials and capacity-building support for portworkers and supervisors operating in container terminals.

Since its introduction, the programme has been implemented in more than 50 countries and has contributed significantly to improving safety standards, operational efficiency, and workforce competencies in ports around the world. The initiative has helped governments, employers, and workers establish modern training systems that support both economic performance and worker welfare.

Recognizing the growing importance of bulk cargo handling within international trade, the ILO expanded the programme in 2018 through the introduction of specialized PDP 2 Units. These modules focus specifically on the transport, handling, and storage of dry bulk commodities, including iron ore, coal, grain, fertilizer, bauxite, and alumina.

The expanded curriculum addresses the unique risks associated with bulk cargo operations, providing guidance on safe handling procedures, cargo management techniques, environmental considerations, and occupational health measures. It also includes detailed training on working safely aboard bulk vessels and within bulk cargo terminals.

As global trade volumes continue to increase and supply chains become more complex, the demand for skilled and safety-conscious portworkers is expected to grow. Industry experts emphasize that investment in workforce training is essential not only for protecting workers but also for maintaining the reliability and efficiency of international trade networks.

By strengthening the capabilities of instructors and training professionals, the latest ILO programme creates a multiplier effect that extends beyond individual participants. The knowledge and skills acquired through the course can be passed on to hundreds of portworkers in their respective countries, helping to improve safety performance and operational standards across entire port systems.

Through initiatives such as the Portworker Development Programme, the ILO continues to support governments, employers, training institutions, and labour organizations in building safer, more productive, and more sustainable ports. These efforts contribute to stronger global supply chains, better working conditions, and enhanced economic opportunities for maritime workers around the world.

As the maritime industry adapts to evolving technologies, changing trade patterns, and increasing sustainability requirements, continued investment in skills development and occupational safety will remain critical. The successful completion of this international training programme demonstrates the value of collaborative learning and global partnerships in preparing the next generation of port professionals for the challenges and opportunities ahead.