The maritime industry’s shift to alternative fuels is gaining serious momentum, and Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) is making a bold move to ensure its crews are ready. The launch of its first methanol bunkering simulator in Kochi, India, in partnership with Wärtsilä, isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about setting the pace. This isn’t a one-off pilot; it’s the first step in a global rollout, with two more simulators set to go live by the end of 2025 in Poland and the Philippines. By early 2026, the Kochi simulator will also add ammonia bunkering training, rounding out a full suite of alternative fuel capabilities alongside existing LNG training. This is a strategic play to future-proof BSM’s training infrastructure, ensuring its crews are ahead of the curve as the fleet transitions to low- and zero-carbon fuels.
Sebastian von Hardenberg, CEO of BSM, nails it: “The maritime decarbonisation depends not just on new technologies, but also on the people who operate them.” The industry can deploy all the methanol-fuelled ships it wants, but without skilled crews, those vessels won’t run safely or efficiently. BSM’s investment in simulation technology is a direct response to the rapid growth of methanol as a marine fuel. With around 60 methanol-fuelled vessels in operation today and over 350 expected by 2030, the demand for trained personnel is about to skyrocket. BSM isn’t just preparing for this future—it’s actively shaping it. The company will take over the management of its first methanol-fuelled ships this year, making this training initiative a critical foundation for safe, compliant operations.
The Wärtsilä TechSim 5000 simulator is no toy. Built on the TechSim 9 platform and certified by ClassNK, it offers a hyper-realistic training environment. Seafarers will get hands-on experience with dual bunkering stations, real-time tank monitoring, emergency shutdown systems, and even 3D visualisation of bunkering operations. This isn’t just about learning the theory—it’s about practicing in a risk-free environment, where mistakes can be made and corrected without real-world consequences. Capt. Gurpreet Singh, Group General Manager, Training and Development at BSM, underscores the importance of this approach: “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.”
But BSM isn’t stopping at crew training. Recognising that instructors need to stay ahead of the curve, the company is also investing in its trainers. Participation in the world’s first Train-the-Trainer programme on Alternative Fuels for Sustainable Shipping, organised by the IMO and World Maritime University, ensures that BSM’s experts are aligned with the latest global standards. This trickle-down effect means that when crews step into the simulator, they’re learning from the best—those who’ve been trained to the highest international benchmarks.
The broader implications for the industry are significant. BSM’s move could set a new standard for maritime training, pushing other ship managers to follow suit. As more companies adopt alternative fuels, the demand for skilled personnel will only grow. Those who invest in training now will be the ones leading the charge in the coming decade. This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about operational excellence. Ships running on methanol or ammonia will require a different skill set, and simulators like BSM’s provide the perfect platform to develop those skills.
Moreover, this initiative highlights the growing collaboration between ship managers and technology providers. Wärtsilä’s role in this partnership is crucial, offering a platform that bridges the gap between theory and practice. Johan Ekvall, Director Simulation and Training at Wärtsilä, puts it succinctly: “We are proud to support BSM in advancing maritime safety and sustainability. Our simulator provides a realistic and technically accurate environment to prepare crews for methanol operations—and the future of green shipping.”
As the industry races toward decarbonisation, the human factor can’t be overlooked. BSM’s proactive approach to training is a reminder that technology alone won’t drive the energy transition. It’s the people behind the wheel—literally—who will make the difference. And with simulators like these, they’ll be ready.