Wärtsilä has provided its latest dual-fuel engine simulator technology to Wavelink Maritime Institute (WMI), the training division of the Singapore Maritime Officer’s Union (SMOU).
These navigational and technological simulators are key components of the newly inaugurated WMI simulation suite, launched by Grace FU Hai Yien, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations of Singapore.
“Seafarers today must continue to reskill and upskill, particularly in the areas of decarbonisation and new alternative fuels. 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,” mentioned Teo Keong Kok, managing director of Wavelink Maritime Institute.
As the maritime industry aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, training crews to manage sustainable and alternative fuels is crucial, according to Wärtsilä, whose advanced simulator technology is tailored to educate seafarers on modern efficiency concepts and the operation of next-generation marine fuels.
Moreover, the dual-fuel simulators feature virtual reality for realistic scenarios with various fuels and engines and integrate cloud-based simulations with Wavelink’s learning management system for a comprehensive learning experience.
The simulation suite also includes a full-mission bridge with 270-degree visualization and a part-task bridge with 120-degree visualization for immersive ship handling training, adhering to international standards.
Additionally, the technical simulators offer full-mission and multi-functional classroom setups for engine room and liquid cargo handling training.
“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,” stated Kiran Kumar, product sales manager at Wärtsilä Marine.
Wärtsilä has been partnered with WMI since 2014, starting with a maritime simulation centre of 16 workstations and expanding to include an engine room and liquid cargo handling simulator class of 20 workstations for engineering watchkeeping training.
