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As the shipping industry edges closer to its decarbonisation targets, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) is stepping up its training game with the launch of its first methanol bunkering simulator, located at its Maritime Training Centre in Kochi, India. Developed in partnership with Wärtsilä, the simulator aims to equip seafarers with the skills and confidence needed to handle methanol as a marine fuel safely and effectively.
The introduction of this high-fidelity training environment is more than a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic response to the growing demand for alternative fuel readiness across the maritime sector. According to Sebastian von Hardenberg, CEO of BSM, “The maritime decarbonisation depends not just on new technologies, but also on the people who operate them. Their capabilities are the foundation for safe and efficient vessel operations and a successful energy transition.”
Built on Wärtsilä’s TechSim 9 platform and certified by ClassNK for both basic and advanced IGF Code training, the simulator replicates real-world bunkering scenarios with interactive systems and emergency protocols. It includes dual bunkering stations with vapour return lines, 3D visualisation of prep rooms, real-time monitoring of storage tanks, and emergency shutdown systems, among other advanced features.
Preparing for Methanol—and Ammonia
This launch is only the beginning. By the end of 2025, BSM will install two more methanol simulators at its training centres in Poland and the Philippines. In early 2026, an ammonia simulation module will be added in Kochi, rounding out the company’s simulation portfolio, which already includes LNG training. These developments mark a shift towards preparing crews for a multi-fuel operational reality.
The push toward methanol and ammonia reflects broader trends in the maritime fuel transition. Roughly 60 methanol-fuelled vessels are already operating globally. That number is expected to rise to over 350 by 2030. As BSM prepares to manage its first methanol-fuelled vessels this year, the urgency for robust, hands-on training becomes clear.
“We must be prepared for a multi-fuel future,” said Capt. Gurpreet Singh, Group General Manager, Training and Development at BSM. “The new Wärtsilä simulator will allow our seafarers to train in a realistic, risk-free environment, preparing them for the complexities of methanol, and soon ammonia, bunkering operations with precision. It’s not just technology investment—it’s a commitment to competence and safety.”
Johan Ekvall, Director Simulation and Training at Wärtsilä, noted that their simulator provides a technically accurate environment that supports maritime safety and sustainable shipping operations: “We are proud to support BSM in advancing maritime safety and sustainability.”
Training the Trainers for the Energy Transition
Recognising that the green fuel transition requires not just crew education but also instructor expertise, BSM has committed to upskilling its training staff. Earlier this year, BSM joined the world’s first “Train-the-Trainer” programme on Alternative Fuels for Sustainable Shipping, held in Shanghai. Organised by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and World Maritime University (WMU), the course ensures BSM instructors align with global standards and best practices under the IMO’s IGF Code.
These internal efforts are complemented by a full suite of fuel-specific training courses. In addition to methanol and ammonia familiarisation, BSM now offers specialised methanol firefighting courses and simulation-based bunkering scenarios. These programs are designed not just for compliance but for deep operational understanding and risk mitigation.
Simulator Specifications
The Wärtsilä TechSim 5000 is packed with advanced features to simulate the intricacies of methanol handling:
- Dual bunkering stations with vapour return systems
- Low-pressure pump skids and nitrogen purging
- Real-time service and storage tank monitoring
- Fuel valve trains and emergency shutdown logic
- 3D visualisation of bunkering stations and preparation rooms
- Integrated Automation System (IAS) with interactive control systems
- A full library of e-Tutor scenarios for hands-on training
With methanol and ammonia set to play a defining role in the shipping industry’s decarbonisation journey, BSM’s investment signals a broader commitment to operational readiness, safety, and long-term sustainability.
