ABS Global LNG Academy up and running in Qatar

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has inaugurated a training center in Doha, Qatar, dedicated to using the latest techniques to educate marines in modern LNG vessel operations.

The ABS Global LNG Academy, which is supported by state-owned energy giant QatarEnergy, is a coordinated effort with industry partners to make the academy the global epicenter for LNG-related training and development, ABS said.

Establishing the training center is also a key part of ABS’ support of Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and the Tawteen Program.

“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.

The center is designed to offer theoretical and practical training to support safety in the various aspects of LNG carriage and the safe handling of LNG as a marine fuel.

In cooperation with Nakilat, ABS is delivering the industry’s first fully operational LNG metaSHIP. Powered by Orka, the MetaSHIP is a highly realistic virtual asset, built to scale from vessel drawings, and they take learners on virtual field trips – providing a powerful, immersive learning experience in a dynamic simulated training environment, ABS explained, adding that as part of the training, learners interact with the vessel and its crew.

The ABS LNG Academy’s simulator training room also offers gas handling operations and engine room simulation courses offered by GTT Training and the Theta Training Center.

ABS and Poten & Partners offer a collaborative LNG Commercial Operations course providing a foundational understanding about how commercial operations of LNG carriers are effectively managed throughout their life cycles.