Wärtsilä Corporation has taken a significant step in elevating maritime education in the Asia Pacific region with the inauguration of an advanced simulation suite at the Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM) on 17 July 2025. This new facility, equipped with Wärtsilä’s latest simulator technology, is set to raise the bar for maritime training, preparing seafarers for the industry’s shift towards decarbonisation and digitalisation.
ALAM, the training arm of MISC (Malaysia International Shipping Corporation Berhad) and a subsidiary of the Petronas group, now boasts a simulation suite featuring Wärtsilä’s advanced dual-fuel simulator technology. This includes virtual reality elements that immerse trainees in realistic scenarios, as well as training on future sustainable fuels like methanol and ammonia. The suite is comprehensive, with full-mission and multi-functional network classroom set-ups for engine-room and liquid cargo handling, navigation simulators with 270-degree visualisation, and dynamic positioning and extended reality (XR) training capabilities. Additionally, it includes GMDSS & ECDIS classroom simulators and Wärtsilä cloud-based simulation for blended learning.
The inauguration also marked ALAM’s inclusion in Wärtsilä’s “Maritime Advancement in Simulation, Technology and R&D Services” (MASTERS) program, making it the first centre in the Asia Pacific region to join. The MASTERS program is dedicated to fostering advancements in maritime training through collaboration with leading global maritime training and R&D providers.
Ts. Dr. Captain Manivannan Subramaniam, Chief Executive of ALAM, highlighted the significance of this development. “The launch of the Maritime Experiential Learning Centre and its recognition as Wärtsilä’s first MASTER centre in Asia, reflects ALAM’s strong commitment to raising the standards of Maritime Education and Training (MET) in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region,” he said. He emphasised the importance of equipping students with not just technical skills, but also the ability to lead and adapt in a global maritime environment. The new facility supports ALAM’s ambition to become the Maritime University of Choice in Asia by nurturing future-ready seafarers through hands-on, immersive, and internationally aligned training programmes.
Neil Bennett, General Manager, Simulation & Training, Wärtsilä Marine, congratulated ALAM on their commitment to world-class maritime education. He noted that the new simulators allow students to achieve a higher level of competence, replicating real-world operational scenarios in a controlled, safe setting. This enables trainees to hone their skills in a broad range of areas, from basic navigation and engine room operations to complex procedures, research studies, and integrated emergency response drills. Bennett also commended ALAM for being the first organisation in the region to join the MASTERS program, sharing Wärtsilä’s objective of improving safety and advancing optimisation, digitalisation, and decarbonisation learning in maritime.
Founded in 1976, ALAM has trained over 15,000 maritime professionals for both onshore and offshore operations. The training centre is strategically located in Melaka, overlooking the busy Straits of Malacca. Wärtsilä’s partnership with ALAM began in 2006 with the launch of the Maritime Simulation and Communication Centre.
This development is poised to shape future trends in maritime education and training. The integration of advanced simulation technology and the focus on sustainable fuels and digitalisation reflect the industry’s evolving needs. As the maritime sector continues to grapple with the challenges of decarbonisation and digital transformation, such initiatives are crucial in preparing the next generation of seafarers. The collaboration between Wärtsilä and ALAM sets a precedent for other training institutes to follow, potentially leading to a more skilled and adaptable maritime workforce globally. The inclusion of ALAM in the MASTERS program also underscores the importance of regional collaboration and knowledge sharing in driving maritime advancements. As the industry moves towards a more sustainable and digital future, such partnerships will be instrumental in shaping the sector’s trajectory.