Wärtsilä has provided its dual-fuel engine simulator technology to Wavelink Maritime Institute (WMI), the maritime training arm of the Singapore Maritime Officers Union (SMOU).
The navigational and technical simulators are crucial to WMI’s simulation suite, which was recently opened by H.E. Ms. Grace FU Hai Yien, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations of the Republic of Singapore.
Sustainable fuels will play a critical part in the marine industry’s objective of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
However, as part of this change, crew members must be trained to manage these new and alternate fuels.
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The Wärtsilä simulator technology is particularly intended to teach sailors on the newest efficiency principles and equip them to operate with the next generation of marine fuels.
The dual-fuel simulators incorporate a virtual reality component that replicates realistic circumstances using various fuels and engine types.
They also use cloud-based simulation in conjunction with Wavelink’s proprietary learning management system to deliver blended learning experiences.
Teo Keong Kok, Managing Director, Wavelink Maritime Institute, stated: “Seafarers today must continue to reskill and upskill, particularly in the areas of decarbonisation and new alternative fuels.
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“Wärtsilä’s advanced simulator technology allows us to provide the highest quality maritime training, ensuring that our students are fully in step with the transition currently underway in the shipping industry.”
The simulation package also contains a full-mission bridge with 270-degree visualisation and a part-task bridge with 120-degree visualisation to provide hands-on ship handling training in accordance with international standards.
The technical simulators provide full-mission and multi-functional network class-room configurations for engine-room and liquid cargo handling training.
Kiran Kumar, Product Sales Manager at Wärtsilä Marine, said: “Climate regulation is pushing for constant improvement in fuel efficiency to drive down emissions meaning alternative and transition fuels will play a significant role in achieving these goals.
“The new simulation suite with Wärtsilä technology provides realistic training opportunities that will allow their graduates to safely operate technologically advanced vessels, whilst preparing them for shipping’s decarbonised future.”
