Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) isn’t just talking about decarbonisation—it’s building the tools to make it happen. The company’s new methanol bunkering simulator, launched in Kochi, India, with Wärtsilä, is a game-changer. It’s not just about training crews; it’s about future-proofing shipping operations in a multi-fuel world.
This isn’t a one-off project. By the end of 2025, BSM will have three methanol bunkering simulators in operation—Kochi, Poland, and the Philippines. And by early 2026, ammonia bunkering simulations will join the mix. That’s comprehensive coverage of the three primary alternative fuels driving maritime decarbonisation: methanol, ammonia, and LNG.
But why the urgency? Because the fleet is changing fast. BSM will take over its first methanol-fuelled ships this year, and global orders suggest more than 350 methanol-powered vessels will be in operation by 2030. The industry isn’t waiting—it’s accelerating, and training must keep pace.
“Their capabilities are the foundation for safe and efficient vessel operations and a successful energy transition,” said Sebastian von Hardenberg, CEO of BSM. This isn’t hyperbole. It’s a recognition that technology alone won’t cut emissions—competent crews will.
The Wärtsilä TechSim 5000, built on the TechSim 9 platform and certified by ClassNK, offers a realistic, risk-free environment to train crews in methanol bunkering. It simulates everything from dual bunkering stations to emergency shutdown systems, ensuring seafarers are prepared for real-world challenges.
But BSM isn’t stopping at crew training. It’s also investing in its instructors, sending them to 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 experts are aligned with the latest global standards, ready to pass on critical knowledge.
This is more than a training initiative—it’s a strategic play. BSM is positioning itself as a leader in alternative fuel operations, ensuring its managed fleet is ready for the energy transition. And it’s sending a clear message to the industry: decarbonisation isn’t just about new fuels; it’s about new skills, new training, and a new approach to safety.
The maritime industry is at a crossroads. The path forward isn’t just about cutting emissions—it’s about building competence, ensuring safety, and preparing for a multi-fuel future. BSM’s simulator initiative is a step in the right direction, and the rest of the industry should take note.