Wavelink Maritime Institute (WMI), the maritime training arm of the Singapore Maritime Officer’s Union (SMOU), has taken delivery of a new dual-fuel engine simulator from Wärtsilä, part of a group of updated navigational and technological simulators recently inaugurated at the facility.
The Wärtsilä system is specifically designed to train seafarers in fuel efficiency concepts and prepare them for operating with the next generation of sustainable marine fuels.
The dual-fuel simulators include a virtual reality element to replicate realistic scenarios with different fuels and engine types, also incorporating cloud-based simulation combined with Wavelink’s own learning management system.
“Seafarers today must continue to reskill and upskill, particularly in the areas of decarbonisation and new alternative fuels,” said Teo Keong Kok, Managing Director, Wavelink Maritime Institute.
“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 facility also includes a full-mission bridge with 270-degree visualisation, and a part-task bridge with 120-degree visualisation for hands-on ship handling training. The technical simulators include full-mission and multi-functional network class-room set-ups 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,” said Kiran Kumar, Product Sales Manager at Wärtsilä Marine.
“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.”
WMI began its partnership with Wärtsilä in 2014 with the launch of a maritime simulation centre, including a class of 16 workstations. An integrated engine room and liquid cargo handling simulator class of 20 workstations was also delivered for the training of engineering watchkeeping personnel.
