Wärtsilä and Ocean Technologies Group (OTG) have joined forces to provide enhanced training solutions to improve safety and efficiency at sea
Under a new agreement, Wärtsilä Voyage and OTG will share their expertise and resources to provide simulator- and computer-based training. Through this strategic partnership, they will converge their digital technologies to provide one platform of maritime learning resources for shipping companies, maritime training providers, manning agencies and seafarers.
This will combine on-demand digital training and assessment, virtual and simulation events via cloud-based solutions for in-person learning experiences at maritime training centres or aboard ships.
OTG chief executive Manish Singh said this partnership will enable seafarers to gain proficiency at a time when they are frustrated by crew change issues and travel restrictions. “Our objective is to equip seafarers and users with the most relevant knowledge and resources, not only in a training centre, but also online and at point of operation on board ships and other sites,” said Mr Singh.
“Our partnership with Wärtsilä makes on-demand access to cloud simulation and type-specific training and technical resources available to seafarers and shore-based personnel, helping them gain proficiency in safely and efficiently operating sophisticated Wärtsilä equipment,” he added.
Initially the partnership makes Wärtsilä Voyage’s Cloud Simulation services and training catalogue available through OTG’s Ocean Learning Platform. The combined customer pool of more than 3,000 shipping companies and training centres, plus more than a million seafarers, will be able to access Wärtsilä training, assessment, and certification on an on-demand basis, any time, and from anywhere in the world.
This platform will combine OTG’s e-learning resources, competence management and instructional tools including OTG’s virtual classroom and comprehensive range of maritime-specific digital learning courses.
Wärtsilä Voyage president Sean Fernback said this is the latest example of providing smart technologies to enhance safety and efficiency. “Effective use of smart marine technology by mariners and shore staff is a critical component of its successful implementation and ensures a smooth transition from traditional methods of operation,” he said.
“By leveraging our combined smart learning technologies and mariner performance optimisation services, industry can achieve the desired outcome of operating with more efficient, safer, and environmentally aware mariners who are properly equipped to perform in a rapidly changing, digitalised maritime industry.”
During an interview in February 2021, Mr Fernback told Riviera Maritime Media about Wärtsilä Voyage’s other smart marine technologies in e-navigation, just-in-time port arrival and fleet optimisation. “Our portfolio provides solutions across all vessel classes to solve maritime challenges,” he said.
These challenges include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving safety, cutting operating costs and tackling the growing global crew change crisis.
Combining digitalisation, e-learning and voyage optimisation will help the maritime industry to “improve voyage efficiency and safety levels at sea” said Mr Fernback.
He said their combination “means ships will spend less time in port and ensure vessels meet expected port docking times” and will enable ports to “co-ordinate services with vessels”. Improved voyage planning will reduce navigational risk and lower ship emissions, he said.
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