Anglo-Eastern, one of the largest maritime transport conglomerates in the world and the largest employer of Indian seafarers, offers specialized training for operating ammonia-fueled vessels through the establishment of the Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA) in India. This academy is equipped with special facilities such as LNG and ammonia bunkering stations and alternative fuel training simulators designed to train seafarers for operating the next generation of green cargo ships.
Training for Ammonia-Fueled Cargo Ships
The training provided at the Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy includes safety protocols, chemical hazard control, bunkering simulations, and regulatory standards. These measures are aimed at facilitating the maritime industry's transition to green fuels. The "Mineral Europay" vessel, recognized as the world's first ammonia-fueled cargo ship, has recently begun its trial voyage, and Anglo-Eastern has played a significant role in the technical development and crew management of this ship.
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Safety and Training Challenges
Operational preparation at Anglo-Eastern began before the ammonia-fueled cargo ship was put into service. The company developed specific programs for operations, bunkering, maintenance, and emergency management of the vessels. Training for seafarers and shore teams included 3D digital simulators and emergency scenarios. Senior officers also participated in yard and sea trials to familiarize themselves with the ship and its systems. Arunava Sengupta, CEO of Technical Services at Anglo-Eastern, stated: "The technical challenge was not just adapting to the new fuel; all safety, containment, and operational requirements must function as an integrated system. We adopted a risk-based approach supported by extensive safety studies to develop a design that is commercially viable, practical, and safe."
The use of ammonia fuel offers shipowners significant operational advantages, including savings on operating costs and compliance with carbon taxes. Ammonia-fueled cargo ships can save approximately $28 million in operating costs over their operational lifetime. Consequently, the demand for training simulators and digital models for ammonia-fueled ships at reputable maritime academies like AEMA is rapidly increasing as the maritime industry moves towards carbon-free transportation and adheres to stringent safety requirements for alternative toxic fuels.
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