With LNG as fuel increasing in the wake of stricter emissions regulations, propulsion and technology company Wärtsilä will launch an LNG bunkering and supply system simulator to promote greater safety and improve training for crews
“As the move towards LNG fuel gathers pace in the marine industry, it is essential that crews are thoroughly and expertly trained on handling the related systems,” said Wärtsilä Voyage Solutions manager Sergey Tarasov.
There are some 378 vessels in operation, under construction or on order that will use LNG as fuel, according to DNV GL. The number of shipowners opting for LNG-fuelled vessels is expected to grow in the years ahead, supported by the development of global LNG refuelling infrastructure and driven by stricter emissions regulations.
Wärtsilä has based the design of its LNG Bunkering & Supply System simulator on Wärtsilä LNGPac and Gas Valve Unit technologies, and includes all auxiliary systems used in connection with the fuel supply. The design adheres to STCW requirements for training seafarers on board gas-fuelled ships to standards demanded by the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).
Operations related to the use of LNG fuel, from bunkering to gas fuel supply and engine operations, and troubleshooting are simulated.
The simulator provides realistic representation of the user interface for remote and local operating posts, and animated 3D visualisation to facilitate situational awareness training. A ready prepared set of scenarios for tutorials and assessments is available as an additional option.
Installed at maritime academies in Finland, Italy and Malaysia, the Wärtsilä LNG Bunkering & Fuel Supply System simulator is available as a one-off purchase or on an annual subscription basis. It is part of the TechSim 5000 product line, which includes engineroom and liquid cargo handling simulators that have been installed in training centres around the world. The LNGPac simulator enables different configurations tailored to the customer’s needs. The simulator can also be used for inhouse training by shipowners and ship management companies.
The Wärtsilä LNG Bunkering & Supply System simulator will be launched at the Global LNG Bunkering Summit 2020 conference in Amsterdam 28-30 January.
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