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BSM opens its first methanol bunkering simulator
A shipmanagement and crewing group has introduced its first methanol bunkering simulator at its facilities in India ahead of taking over management of methanol-fuelled ships
Shipmanagement and crew supply group Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) is rolling out methanol bunkering simulators at its key training facilities, with the first opening in India, with plans to add simulators to its facilities in Poland and the Philippines by the end of 2025.
These will provide seafarers with knowledge and hands-on skills to safely handle methanol fuel as more ships are built to run on this low-carbon fluid.
Wärtsilä is supplying its TechSim 5000 simulators, which are certified by ClassNK for both basic and advanced IGF Code training, for these teaching centres. These simulators have dual bunkering stations with liquid and vapour return lines, low-pressure pump skids, nitrogen systems, fuel valve trains, emergency shutdown systems and alarm management, 3D visualisation of bunkering stations and preparation rooms, an integrated automation system with interactive controls, and real-time monitoring of storage and service tanks.
BSM said it will follow this by adding simulators to teach seafarers how to handle ammonia fuels at the Kochi centre in Q1 2026.
This initiative is part of BSM’s broader strategy to future-proof its training capabilities and ensure operational readiness and safety for the new generation of low- and zero-carbon vessels.
“Maritime decarbonisation depends not just on new technologies, but also on the people who operate them,” said BSM chief executive Sebastian von Hardenberg. “Their capabilities are the foundation for safe and efficient vessel operations and a successful energy transition.”
BSM is scheduled to begin managing its first methanol-fuelled ships this year, making its seafarer training and upskilling a critical foundation for safe, compliant operations.
Currently, around 60 vessels operate using methanol fuel worldwide. Based on current orders, more than 350 methanol ships are expected to be in operation by 2030.
“We must be prepared for a multi-fuel future,” said BSM group general manager for training and development Gurpreet Singh. “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 is not just a technology investment, it is a commitment to competence and safety.”
BSM has developed a range of training courses aimed specifically at safely handling new fuels, with Kochi already operating a simulator for handling LNG. Its familiarisation courses on methanol and ammonia also include modules on emergency response and fire fighting.
BSM is also investing in training its trainers by participating in the world’s first train-the-trainer programme on alternative fuels for sustainable shipping. This was held in April in Shanghai and organised by IMO and World Maritime University.
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