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SimFer’s first Guinean seafarer trainees depart for China

April 22, 2026

Conakry, Republic of Guinea – Rio Tinto SimFer has marked a key milestone in the development of Guinea’s maritime workforce with the departure of 18 young Guineans to China, where they will undertake specialised maritime training at the Jiangsu Maritime Institute. This initiative represents the first step in preparing a new generation of Guinean seafarers to support the Simandou project’s port and shipping operations.

SimFer, the joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto, and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH) consortium led by Chinalco, is advancing its local content commitments by investing directly in Guinean talent. Simandou Port and Shipping Management Sarl (SPSM), COSCO Shipping Bulk’s local entity and designated ship management operator of Simfer TSV operation service, is implementing the training programme – covering trainee selection, school selection, curriculum design, as well as training and assessment.

Selected through a rigorous national recruitment process supported by SimFer’s Community Relations and Human Resources teams, the trainees – all young Guineans from communities surrounding the Simandou port – will undertake a three-month training programme aligned with international maritime standards. The programme covers essential safety skills, including fire prevention, firefighting and first aid at sea as well as competency-based training leading to specialization in either on deck or engine room skills.

Eric Planque, General Manager Services and Logistics at SimFer, stated: “These 18 trainees represent the future of Guinea’s maritime workforce. Through this programme, we are enabling a new generation of Guineans to play a major role in Simandou’s maritime operations while building skills and capabilities that will benefit Guinea well beyond this project.”

Following the training, successful trainees will progress to a three-month onboard traineeship on one of SimFer’s Transhipment Vessels which is currently being fitted out at the shipyard in China. These vessels play a critical role in Simandou’s export logistics by transferring iron ore from the port at Morebaya to ocean-going vessels. By gaining hands-on experience at sea working alongside experienced international crews, the trainees will develop the skills needed to play a key role in Simandou’s long-term operations.

SimFer has made extensive commitments to local content through employment, training, and creating new long-term opportunities through skills development.