Methanol

BSM launches methanol bunkering simulator at Indian maritime training centre

Training platform equips seafarers with essential knowledge and hands-on skills to safely handle methanol as a bunker fuel; two more simulators will be commissioned in Poland and Philippines.

Published

11 months ago

August 1, 2025

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BSM launches methanol bunkering simulator at Indian maritime training centre

Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) on Thursday (31 July) has launched its first methanol bunkering simulator at its Maritime Training Centre in Kochi, India, in partnership with maritime technology leader Wärtsilä.

The training platform equips seafarers with essential knowledge and hands-on skills to safely handle methanol as fuel, with an ammonia bunkering simulation module to follow in early 2026.

This initiative is part of BSM’s broader strategy to future-proof its training capabilities and ensure operational readiness and safety for the new generation of low- and zero-carbon vessels.

“The maritime decarbonisation depends not just on new technologies, but also on the people who operate them. Their capabilities are the foundation for safe and efficient vessel operations and a successful energy transition,” emphasised Sebastian von Hardenberg, CEO of BSM.

By the end of 2025, two additional methanol bunkering simulators will be commissioned at BSM’s Maritime Training Centres in Poland and the Philippines, significantly expanding the company’s ability to deliver high-impact alternative fuel training worldwide.

In Q1 2026, BSM will further enhance its simulator in Kochi with a dedicated ammonia training setup. This is rounding out comprehensive simulation coverage through the already existing LNG hub training as well as methanol and ammonia – the three primary alternative fuels driving maritime decarbonisation.

BSM’s proactive investment in simulation technology and crew training is directly aligned with developments of its managed fleet. BSM will take over the management of its first methanol-fuelled ships this year—making this training and upskilling efforts a critical foundation for safe, compliant operations. And it is certain that demand will continue to rise: there are currently around 60 methanol-fuelled vessels in operation worldwide. Based on current orders, more than 350 methanol ships are expected to be in operation by 2030.

“We must be prepared for a multi-fuel future,” said Capt. Gurpreet Singh, Group General Manager, Training and Development at BSM. “The new Wärtsilä simulator will allow our seafarers to train in a realistic, risk-free environment, preparing them for the complexities of methanol, and soon ammonia, bunkering operations with precision. It’s not just technology investment—it’s a commitment to competence and safety.”

“We are proud to support BSM in advancing maritime safety and sustainability,” said Johan Ekvall, Director Simulation and Training at Wärtsilä. “Our simulator provides a realistic and technically accurate environment to prepare crews for methanol operations—and the future of green shipping.”

Recognising that this transition also requires new skills for instructors, BSM is investing in training its trainers as well, including participation in the world’s first Train-the-Trainer programme on Alternative Fuels for Sustainable Shipping, held in April in Shanghai and organised by the IMO and World Maritime University (WMU). This ensures that BSM’s in-house trainers are aligned with the latest global standards and methodologies and skilled to equip ship crews with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely and efficiently handle methanol and ammonia as marine fuels in line with the IMO’s IGF Code.

In this context, BSM has developed a range of training courses aimed specifically at safe handling of the new fuels. In addition to familiarisation courses on methanol and ammonium as a fuel, the programme also includes special methanol firefighting courses and simulation-based bunkering courses.

Photo credit: Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement
Published: 1 August, 2025

Related Topics:Bunker fuel - Methanol Business - Events Others - Safety

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Alternative Fuels

Wah Kwong subsidiary appoints Nordic Green Biotrading as European distributor

Nordic Green will have the exclusive right to market, promote, and distribute Venture Energy’s supply of RED Advanced bio-methanol and RFNBO-methanol across the EEA, UK, and Switzerland.

Published

2 hours ago

June 17, 2026

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Wah Kwong subsidiary appoints Nordic Green Biotrading as European distributor

Venture Energy, a sustainable fuels supplier headquartered in Hong Kong, recently announced the signing of a Distribution Agreement with Nordic Green Biotrading ApS (Nordic Green), appointing the Danish company as its exclusive distributor of renewable methanol across the EEA, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

The move marked a key step in expanding Venture Energy’s next-generation marine fuels platform into the European market.

Venture Energy is a subsidiary of Hong Kong shipowner Wah Kwong Maritime Transport, focusing on the procurement and trading of clean fuels.

Under the agreement, Nordic Green will have the exclusive right to market, promote, and distribute Venture Energy’s supply of RED Advanced bio-methanol (bio-methanol) and RFNBO-methanol (e-methanol) throughout the Territory.

“We are delighted to formalise our longstanding collaboration with Nordic Green as our strategic distribution partner in Europe, extending the breadth and quality of our downstream coverage for our supplier network and developing the profile of high-quality renewable methanol producers in the European market.” said Gregor McMillan, Executive Director of Venture Energy.

Deepak Devendrappa, General Manager of Venture Energy, said: “Nordic Green’s track record in local distribution, deep market knowledge, and strong customer relationships across the region’s core bio-blending and chemical sectors make them the ideal partner to bring our ISCC-certified renewable methanol to our customers in the territory.

“This agreement is another step in the road for Venture Energy as we act on Wah Kwong’s commitment to supporting the energy transition with reliable, sustainable fuel solutions.”

The distribution agreement covers sales within the dutiable area of the EEA, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Venture Energy will continue to market directly into the marine bunkering segment.

Bo Gleerup, representing Nordic Green, added: “This exclusive partnership represents a significant milestone for Nordic Green. Being able to sell Venture Energy’s high-quality, certified, renewable methanol volumes from a range of bio-methanol and e-methanol producers, complement our existing supply network for European road-fuel and chemical producers. This fresh focus allows us to offer some of the most competitive products coming into the market today. We look forward to working closely

with our colleagues at Venture Energy to develop this collaboration and deliver value to our shared customers across the territory.”

Photo credit: Venture Energy
Published: 17 June, 2026

Methanol

China: Chimbusco takes delivery of new methanol bunkering vessel in Zhoushan

Company says commissioning of “Zhong Ran LV Neng 85” will further enhance its service capabilities in green methanol bunkering in major domestic ports.

Published

1 day ago

June 16, 2026

Admin

Chimbusco takes delivery of new methanol bunkering vessel in Zhoushan

China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) (Chimbusco) recently took delivery of its first bunkering vessel in China to deliver methanol to dual-fuel ships.

The 8,500-dwt duplex stainless steel chemical tanker Zhong Ran LV Neng 85 was successfully delivered in Zhoushan.

The company said the commissioning of this new ship will further enhance Chimbusco’s service capabilities in green methanol bunkering in major domestic ports and expand its national marine new energy service and support network

During the delivery period, Chimbusco said it focused on safe operations and conducted special training for all crew members of the vessel.

The training covered methanol bunkering operation specifications, prevention of collisions between commercial and fishing vessels, daily vessel reporting, and voyage report filling standards.

Manifold Times previously reported the launching of the bunkering vessel at Taizhou Fangzhen Shipbuilding Wharf in Zhejiang.

The floating out of the ship comes after Chimbusco has obtained methanol bunkering licences for Shanghai Port and Ningbo Port.

Photo credit: China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) (Chimbusco)
Published: 16 June, 2026

Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales drops by 6.8% on year in May 2026

4.55 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in May, down from 4.88 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2025, according to MPA data.

Published

2 days ago

June 15, 2026

Admin

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales drops by 6.8% on year in May 2026

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port dropped by 6.8% on year in May 2026, according to data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

In total, 4.55 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,548,000 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in May, down from 4.88 million mt (4,878,100 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2025.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in May (against on year) recorded respectively 1.79 million mt (-5.3% from 1.89 million mt), 2.29 million mt (-6.5% from 2.45 million mt), zero (-100% from 1,200 mt), 600 (35.2% from 1,700 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales drops by 6.8% on year in May 2026

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in May, (against on year) recorded respectively 11,600 mt (-71.6% from 40,900 mt), 36,400 mt (-62.1% from 96,100 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). B100 biofuel bunkers, introduced in February last year, recorded 12,800 mt (+573.7% from 1,900 mt).

LNG and methanol sales were 70,300 mt (+56.2% from 45,000 mt) and zero (from zero) respectively. There were no recorded sales of ammonia for the month and so far since 2025.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 15 June, 2026