Wärtsilä officially opened a new advanced simulation suite at the Akademi Laut Malaysia maritime training facility.
ALAM operates as the educational division of Malaysia International Shipping Corporation Berhad, which is part of the Petronas group. The training facility is situated in Melaka, with views of the active Straits of Malacca.
The implementation of Wärtsilä’s cutting-edge simulator technology substantially enhances maritime education standards throughout the region, fostering the development of exceptionally skilled and competent maritime professionals.
ALAM’s newly installed simulation suite incorporates Wärtsilä’s latest advanced dual-fuel simulator technology, featuring virtual reality components that provide seafarers with immersive, realistic training environments.
The facility also offers educational programs for operating with emerging sustainable fuels including methanol and ammonia and various engine configurations, which are crucial for the industry’s transition toward decarbonized operations.
During the opening ceremony, ALAM was announced as the inaugural Asia Pacific participant in Wärtsilä’s “Maritime Advancement in Simulation, Technology and R&D Services” program.
This initiative focuses on identifying, acknowledging, and formalizing Wärtsilä’s partnerships with premier global Maritime Training and R&D providers who extensively utilize Wärtsilä’s simulation and training solutions while collaborating closely to advance maritime education standards.
Ts. Dr. Captain Manivannan Subramaniam, Chief Executive of ALAM, stated that this facility advances their vision to become Asia’s Maritime University of Choice by developing future-ready seafarers through practical, immersive, and internationally standardized training programs, including those focusing on New Energy, Decarbonisation and Digitalisation.
The technical simulation equipment encompasses full-mission and multi-functional networked classroom configurations for both engine-room and liquid cargo handling instruction.
Navigation simulators feature a comprehensive bridge with 270-degree visualization, three partial task bridges, and dynamic positioning with extended reality training capabilities. The suite incorporates GMDSS & ECDIS classroom simulators alongside Wärtsilä’s cloud-based simulation platform for hybrid learning approaches.
Neil Bennett, General Manager, Simulation & Training at Wärtsilä Marine, commented that the facility addresses diverse training requirements, from fundamental navigation and engine room operations to complex procedures, research initiatives, and comprehensive emergency response exercises.
Established in 1976, ALAM has trained over 15,000 maritime professionals for onshore and offshore operations.
