Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has taken a decisive step toward future-proofing the maritime workforce with the launch of its first methanol bunkering simulator in Kochi, India. Developed in collaboration with Wärtsilä, this advanced training tool is a clear signal that the industry’s decarbonisation push isn’t just about new fuels—it’s about preparing the people who will operate them.
The simulator isn’t just a training tool; it’s a strategic investment in a multi-fuel future. With the global methanol-fuelled fleet expected to grow from around 60 vessels today to over 350 by 2030, BSM is positioning itself—and its seafarers—at the forefront of this transition. The simulator’s real-time tank monitoring, 3D visualisation, and emergency response scenarios provide a risk-free environment to master the complexities of methanol bunkering. This is where theory meets practice, and where seafarers can build the muscle memory and quick-thinking skills needed to handle these fuels safely.
But BSM isn’t stopping at methanol. By early 2026, an ammonia bunkering module will be added to the Kochi centre, and two more methanol simulators will roll out in Poland and the Philippines by the end of 2025. This global expansion ensures that seafarers worldwide can access specialised training, bridging the gap between emerging technologies and operational readiness. The inclusion of ammonia training is particularly noteworthy, as the industry grapples with the challenges and opportunities of this carbon-free fuel.
BSM’s commitment to training extends beyond the simulator. In April, its instructors participated in the IMO and WMU’s inaugural Train-the-Trainer course on alternative fuels in Shanghai. This ensures that BSM’s programmes align with international standards, particularly the IMO’s IGF Code, and that trainers are equipped to pass on best practices to the next generation of seafarers.
The human factor is fundamental to the energy transition. As BSM CEO Sebastian von Hardenberg noted, “The human factor is fundamental to the energy transition.” This isn’t just about deploying new technologies—it’s about ensuring that crews can operate them safely and efficiently. The Kochi simulator, with its dual bunkering stations, integrated automation systems, and nitrogen and fuel valve systems, offers a highly realistic, risk-free learning environment. This is where seafarers can gain the confidence and competence needed to navigate the technical and safety complexities of methanol and, soon, ammonia bunkering operations.
Wärtsilä’s Director of Simulation and Training, Johan Ekvall, underscored the importance of this approach: “Our simulator offers an authentic and technically accurate setting to ready seafarers for green fuel operations.” This authenticity is crucial. The maritime sector is heading toward a multi-fuel reality, and simulators like this one are the bridge between today’s fossil-fuel operations and tomorrow’s zero-carbon fleets.
BSM’s investments in methanol and ammonia training reflect a broader industry trend: the recognition that decarbonisation isn’t a single-fuel solution. It’s a multi-faceted challenge that requires a multi-faceted response. By equipping seafarers with the skills to handle multiple alternative fuels, BSM is ensuring that its crews are adaptable, resilient, and ready for whatever the future holds.
This initiative also highlights the importance of collaboration. BSM’s partnership with Wärtsilä, along with its engagement with international bodies like the IMO and WMU, demonstrates that no single entity can drive decarbonisation alone. It takes a collective effort—one that combines cutting-edge technology, rigorous training, and a shared commitment to a sustainable future.
As the maritime industry steers toward a low-carbon future, BSM’s simulator in Kochi stands as a beacon of progress. It’s a testament to the power of proactive training, the necessity of human expertise, and the industry’s determination to turn decarbonisation goals into reality. The question now is: who will follow BSM’s lead?