In a bold move that’s set to ripple through the maritime industry, Anglo-Eastern unveiled its latest innovation at the 2025 Mumbai Conference: a state-of-the-art bunkering station skid designed to revolutionise training in LNG- and ammonia-powered vessel fuelling. This isn’t just another training tool; it’s a game-changer that could very well set the gold standard for maritime safety and environmental stewardship.
Picture this: a cutting-edge facility equipped with the latest cryogenic fuelling technology and safety systems, offering a controlled environment for hands-on training in LNG and ammonia transfer operations, emergency response procedures, and regulatory compliance. It’s like a flight simulator for seafarers, but for fuelling operations. This skid isn’t just about learning; it’s about doing, about getting your hands dirty and gaining real-world experience in a safe, controlled setting.
The implications of this development are vast. As the maritime industry steers towards alternative marine fuels, the demand for well-trained professionals is skyrocketing. This skid, nestled within the dual-fuel centre of excellence at Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy, is poised to meet that demand head-on. It’s not just about training seafarers; it’s about creating a ripple effect that reaches stakeholders ashore, ensuring everyone is on the same page when it comes to supporting their onboard teams.
CMB.TECH chief executive, Alexander Saverys, hit the nail on the head when he toasted “the future of shipping.” He underscored the urgency for more companies to step up and invest in such initiatives. After all, the clock is ticking towards net-zero emissions by 2050, and initiatives like these are more than just nice-to-haves; they’re necessities.
Anglo-Eastern group director of training, Capt Aalok Sharma, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical need for well-trained professionals in the face of the industry’s transition towards sustainable fuels. This new facility, he said, will equip maritime personnel with the knowledge and hands-on experience required to meet the challenges of LNG and ammonia bunkering.
But Anglo-Eastern isn’t stopping at LNG and ammonia. The company also inaugurated a new ME-GI training facility at the Anglo-Eastern MAN PrimeServ training facility. This new facility, built for Mk 2 ME-GI engines, allows course participants to learn correct procedures for carrying out maintenance and safe operation of these types of two-stroke, electronically controlled engines on board. It’s a testament to Anglo-Eastern’s commitment to innovation, safety, and environmental responsibility.
This isn’t just about Anglo-Eastern flexing its muscles; it’s about setting a precedent. If other industry players follow suit, we could see a significant shift in maritime training standards. Imagine a future where every maritime professional is equipped with hands-on experience in alternative fuel types, where safety and environmental responsibility aren’t just buzzwords, but lived realities. That’s the future Anglo-Eastern is championing, and it’s a future worth striving for.
The maritime industry is at a crossroads, and initiatives like these could very well shape its future trajectory. As we navigate the choppy waters of decarbonisation and digitalisation, it’s clear that investment in training and innovation will be the compass guiding us towards safer, greener horizons. The question is, who’s ready to set sail?