Wärtsilä and Sinocrew Maritime Services have opened an advanced maritime simulation centre in Beihai, China, to train seafarers for the next generation of sustainable cruise operations. The facility features Wärtsilä’s latest simulation technology and provides hands-on, decarbonisation-focused training.
Both companies also signed an MOU to establish the first Maritime Advancement in Simulation, Technology, and R&D Services (MASTERS) programme site in China. The order for the simulation suite was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2025.
The Beihai International Seafarer Training Center (BISTC) will serve as a regional hub for the ASEAN maritime sector, focusing on cruise ship operations, digitalisation, and environmental technologies.
“With Wärtsilä’s expertise, we are creating a world-class centre that prepares seafarers for the future of sustainable cruise shipping,” said Captain Wang Jixuan, Founder and Chairman of Sinocrew. “Our goal is to build an innovative maritime talent ecosystem ready for decarbonisation.”
Wärtsilä will provide long-term service and maintenance to ensure the technology remains cutting-edge. “This centre will build critical skills for future fuels and sustainable ship operations,” said Johan Ekvall, Director of Simulation & Training at Wärtsilä Marine.
The Beihai project is the fourth collaboration between Wärtsilä and Sinocrew, following simulator installations in Wuhan, Rizhao, and Qingdao.
