ABS has inaugurated its new LNG Academy in Doha, Qatar, a training centre leveraging new technologies to educate mariners in modern LNG vessel operations.
Supported by QatarEnergy, the Academy is a coordinated effort with industry partners designed to offer theoretical and practical training to support safety in the various aspects of LNG carriage and the safe handling of LNG as a marine fuel.
The facility will offer online, virtual and classroom training options for interactive and continuous learning, including a fully operational LNG ‘metaSHIP’. Powered by Orka, the metaSHIP is a virtual asset built to scale from vessel drawings, allowing trainees to work in a dynamic simulated training environment.
As part of the training, learners interact with the vessel and its crew. They can inspect equipment, take photographs, ask questions, view certificates, write reports and practice other critical technical skills.
Difficult or obscure concepts can be visualised on board the metaSHIP, such as recognising gas hazardous zones and their safety implications. Each action completed on board by the learner is recorded and available for review and assessment, with follow-up in-person coaching.
“Qatar offers an ideal location for the establishment of ABS’ global LNG Academy, allowing us to combine Qatar’s LNG operational leadership with ABS’ record of safety leadership and technical and regulatory LNG knowledge,” said Christopher Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO.
“This one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art facility offers a unique learning experience both on board and through immersive classroom simulation training.”
The ABS LNG Academy’s simulator training room also offers gas handling operations and engine room simulation courses offered by GTT Training and the Theta Training Center.
