A new training facility in support of the adoption of alternative fuels, including virtual reality and game-based systems, has been launched by class society ABS, in collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) project.
Part of a global network of ABS safety training centres, the Singapore facility incorporates virtual reality training technologies to allow seafarers to simulate realistic scenarios and settings without putting vessels or crews at risk.
Students in Singapore, alongside peers in Athens and Doha, will receive training on the safe handling of alternative fuels, such as ammonia, methanol, and LNG, as well as the deployment of battery and electric propulsion systems.
The centre will also feature the ABS Metaship fleet, a collection of virtual vessels created from scale vessel drawings allowing students to gain operational hours without stepping on board a real ship.
Simulations will cover areas such as ISM emergency preparedness, hazardous zone identification, cargo operations, fuel line inspection, and alternative fuel operations, combining virtual drills with root cause analyses.
“The maritime industry faces many challenges, and the ABS Singapore Maritime Safety Centre is a way we are working with the MPA to address the biggest challenge of all – developing a workforce equipped with the skills to safely operate the next generation vessels and equipment now in development,” said Christopher Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO.
“It is designed to lead the industry in its approach to delivering skills with the latest techniques including virtual reality and game-based training to simulate realistic scenarios without risk. It is where the changing dimensions of safety meet the next generation of learning.”
“ABS is proud to support the transformational METF initiative and honoured to be selected as a partner.”
