In an exclusive interview, Bahri Chemicals President Faisal Al-Husseini shares how the company is pioneering the next wave of maritime innovation—following its recent win of the Innovation Award for Advanced Immersive Maritime Training in the 2025 Ship Technology Excellence Awards. The company is deploying a 3D digital twin for immersive training, scaling cloud-enabled modular systems, and leveraging data-driven operations to boost safety, efficiency, and ESG performance while collaborating to raise global standards.
**Bridging the Gap with Immersive Training**
Bahri’s win reflects its broader vision for the maritime industry. “Our vision is to create value and share prosperity by connecting economies through excellence in global shipping and logistics solutions,” Al-Husseini explains. The company’s 3D digital twin project for its chemical tanker Fatimah is a testament to this mission. By harnessing the power of gamification and Unreal Engine, Bahri has created an engaging, ultra-realistic learning environment. “The future of training in the maritime industry will become immersive in nature, and we are proud to be at the forefront of that,” Al-Husseini states.
**Innovation at the Core**
Innovation is deeply embedded in Bahri’s culture. “Innovation is both a culture and a disciplined process to create stakeholder value and enhance competitiveness,” Al-Husseini says. The company fosters a culture of innovation through structured processes, internal ideation challenges, and cross-functional teams. “We take a structured approach to innovation. This starts with asking ourselves ‘what problem are we solving for?’ and ‘can we measure it?'” he explains.
**Digital Transformation in Action**
Beyond the digital twin, Bahri has implemented advanced analytics for predictive maintenance, optimization of fuel consumption, and Robotic Process Automation for document filing. “Our training programs now include immersive simulations that replicate real-world scenarios, enabling our crew to train safely and cost-effectively while reducing downtime,” Al-Husseini notes.
**Shaping Global Maritime Standards**
Bahri actively participates in IMO working groups and industry forums to shape future regulations, particularly in digitalization, decarbonization, and crew safety. “We share best practices from our digital twin and immersive training initiatives with peers and partners, contributing to a collective push toward higher global standards,” Al-Husseini says.
**Collaboration for Scalable Impact**
Collaboration is crucial for Bahri’s scalable impact. “We routinely work with the Saudi Ministry of Transportation and Saudi Ports Authority to enhance engagement and maritime knowledge,” Al-Husseini explains. For the digital twin project, Bahri partnered with master mariners, leading technology providers, and training experts to ensure authenticity and effectiveness.
**Overcoming Challenges**
Change management, cybersecurity, and data governance are key challenges for Bahri. “We addressed this by involving end-users early in development and seeking their feedback. The project is a living system that is evolving and growing to meet requirements; therefore, continuous feedback is essential,” Al-Husseini notes.
**Adaptability and Future Trends**
Flexibility is built into Bahri’s digital strategy. “Our systems are cloud-enabled, modular, and designed for scalability, allowing us to quickly integrate new features or technologies,” Al-Husseini says. Customers are placing greater emphasis on transparency, safety performance, and ESG compliance. “They expect their partners to invest in next-generation solutions that ensure reliable, safe, and environmentally responsible operations,” he adds.
**Sustainability Initiatives**
Bahri is investing in energy-efficient technologies, adopting alternative fuels, and implementing advanced emission-reduction measures. “We are also aligning with IMO’s decarbonization targets and ESG frameworks to ensure our operations contribute positively to global climate goals,” Al-Husseini concludes.
This interview with Faisal Al-Husseini provides a glimpse into Bahri’s innovative approach to maritime training and operations. By leveraging advanced technologies and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, Bahri is setting new standards for the industry.