Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) is stepping up its decarbonisation game, and it’s not just about the tech—it’s about the people. The maritime services giant has just launched its first methanol bunkering simulator in Kochi, India, in partnership with Wärtsilä. This isn’t just another training tool; it’s a strategic move to future-proof its fleet and crew for a multi-fuel future.
The simulator is a game-changer for seafarers, offering hands-on training in methanol bunkering operations. But BSM isn’t stopping there—an ammonia bunkering simulator is set to launch in early 2026, ensuring its crews are ready for the next wave of alternative fuels. This initiative is part of BSM’s broader push to align its training capabilities with the evolving needs of low- and zero-carbon vessels. With its first methanol-fuelled ships coming under management this year, the timing couldn’t be better.
Sebastian von Hardenberg, CEO of BSM, hits the nail on the head: “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.” It’s a reminder that while the industry races to develop green fuels and carbon-cutting tech, the human factor remains critical.
BSM’s commitment doesn’t end in Kochi. By the close of 2025, the company plans to roll out two more methanol bunkering simulators at its training centres in Poland and the Philippines. Gurpreet Singh, Group General Manager, Training and Development at BSM, underscores the importance of this investment: “We must be prepared for a multi-fuel future. 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.”
This move isn’t just about staying ahead of the curve—it’s about setting the standard. As the industry grapples with the challenges of alternative fuels, BSM is ensuring its crews are equipped to handle the complexities of methanol and ammonia bunkering safely and efficiently. The question now is: who will follow suit? The race to decarbonise isn’t just about who can develop the best technology, but who can train the best people to use it. BSM is making a bold statement that competence and safety are non-negotiable in this transition.