Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) is stepping up its decarbonisation game, and it’s not just about the tech—it’s about the people who run it. The company has just launched its first methanol bunkering simulator at its Kochi training hub, teaming up with Wärtsilä to give seafarers the skills they need to handle methanol as fuel safely. And they’re not stopping there—ammonia bunkering simulations are coming in early 2026.
This isn’t just another training tool; it’s a strategic move to future-proof BSM’s fleet. The company is set to take over its first methanol-fuelled ships this year, and with around 60 methanol-powered vessels already in operation and more than 350 expected by 2030, the need for skilled crews is only going to grow.
Sebastian von Hardenberg, BSM’s CEO, nails it: “The maritime decarbonisation depends not just on new technologies, but also on the people who operate them.” This simulator is just the start. By the end of 2025, BSM will roll out two more methanol bunkering simulators in Poland and the Philippines, and by Q1 2026, the Kochi simulator will get an ammonia training upgrade. With LNG, methanol, and ammonia covered, BSM is building a comprehensive training ecosystem for the multi-fuel future.
Capt. Gurpreet Singh, Group General Manager of Training and Development at BSM, highlights the importance of realistic, risk-free training: “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.”
Wärtsilä’s Johan Ekvall adds, “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.”
But BSM isn’t just training crews—it’s also upskilling its trainers. The company recently participated in the world’s first Train-the-Trainer programme on Alternative Fuels for Sustainable Shipping, organised by the IMO and World Maritime University (WMU). This ensures that BSM’s instructors are aligned with the latest global standards, ready to pass on their expertise to ship crews.
The simulator itself is a beast. The Wärtsilä TechSim 5000, certified by ClassNK, features dual bunkering stations, real-time monitoring, emergency shutdown systems, and a suite of e-Tutor scenarios covering bunkering, troubleshooting, and emergency response. It’s a full-fledged training powerhouse designed to prepare crews for the real-world challenges of alternative fuels.
BSM’s move is a clear signal that the industry isn’t just about adopting new technologies—it’s about ensuring the people who operate them are ready. As the maritime world shifts toward decarbonisation, the companies that invest in both technology and training will be the ones leading the charge. BSM is setting the bar high, and the rest of the industry will need to keep up.