ABS inaugurates Global LNG Academy in Qatar

ABS Global LNG Academy is located in Doha and will offer theoretical and practical training across online, virtual and classroom learning covering LNG carriage, and handling LNG as a marine fuel.

The academy will host the world’s first fully operational “LNG metaSHIP”, ABS Integrity, powered by Orka and delivered in cooperation with Nakilat. The virtual vessel will enable learners to go on virtual field trips on an LNG ship, offering an immersive learning experience where they can interact with the vessel and its crew.

The virtual experience will contextualise more obscure concepts, such as making it easier for learners to identify gas hazard zones and their safety implications. Equipment inspections, reporting writing and technical skill practice in metaSHIP will build a record of activity for each learner that can be reviewed by both the learner and tutors to offer follow-up coaching support.

The simulator room will also offer gas handling and engine room simulations courses from GTT Training and the Theta Center. The academy will also host a collaborative LNG Commercial Operations course with Poten & Partners to teach the foundations of LNG carrier commercial operations and the management of such vessels throughout their lifespan.

“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. This one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art facility offers a unique learning experience both on board and through immersive classroom simulation training,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS chairman and CEO.

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The center will also support the Qatar’s localisation programme Tawteen, an initiative focused on education and quality employment for Qatari nationals.

ABS said the range of programs available at the academy, includes LNG and LNG carrier fundamentals, membrane technologies, LNG marine fuel operations, bunkering, ship-to-ship operations, commercial operations, and more.