Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) isn’t just talking about the energy transition—it’s building the skills to make it happen. The launch of its first methanol bunkering simulator in Kochi, India, marks a pivotal step in preparing crews for the alternative fuels reshaping global shipping. This isn’t just about new tech; it’s about the people who will operate it. As BSM CEO Sebastian von Hardenberg puts it, “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.”
The simulator, developed in partnership with Wärtsilä, offers hands-on training for methanol bunkering—with an ammonia module set to follow in early 2026. This isn’t a one-off pilot. By the end of 2025, BSM will roll out two more methanol simulators in Poland and the Philippines, ensuring global access to high-impact training. By Q1 2026, the Kochi facility will also feature an ammonia training setup, rounding out coverage of the three primary alternative fuels: methanol, ammonia, and LNG.
This isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about leading. BSM will take over management of its first methanol-fuelled ships this year, making this training a critical foundation for safe, compliant operations. With around 60 methanol-fuelled vessels in operation today and over 350 expected by 2030, the demand for skilled crews will only grow. As Capt. Gurpreet Singh, Group General Manager of Training and Development at BSM, notes, “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.”
BSM’s investment goes beyond crew training. Recognising that instructors need upskilling too, the company is participating in the world’s first Train-the-Trainer programme on Alternative Fuels for Sustainable Shipping, organised by the IMO and World Maritime University. This ensures BSM’s trainers are aligned with the latest global standards, equipping them to deliver cutting-edge knowledge to crews.
The company has also developed a range of specialised courses, including methanol and ammonia familiarisation, firefighting, and simulation-based bunkering. This comprehensive approach ensures crews aren’t just aware of new fuels—they’re prepared to handle them safely and efficiently.
Wärtsilä’s Johan Ekvall underscores the partnership’s significance: “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.”
BSM’s strategy isn’t just about adapting to change—it’s about shaping it. By investing in simulation technology, crew training, and instructor development, the company is ensuring its fleet—and the industry—is ready for the multi-fuel future. This isn’t just training; it’s building the competence that will drive maritime decarbonisation forward.