ABS has inaugurated its newest training facility, the Hellenic Ship Safety Center (HSSC) in Athens, aimed at transforming maritime safety training through immersive technologies, game-based learning, and virtual reality.
This state-of-the-art center caters to the Greek shipping community and is part of ABS’s global mission to empower maritime professionals with tools to navigate rapidly evolving industry challenges.
Cutting-Edge Immersive Training for the Greek Maritime Sector
The Athens center features advanced simulation stations, collaboration spaces, and training rooms equipped for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)-based instruction. ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki emphasized that the center is built to give maritime professionals hands-on experience in simulated environments, allowing them to walk through a ship, interact with systems, and rehearse procedures long before boarding an actual vessel.
Meeting the Industry’s Changing Demands
Shipping is undergoing a major transformation with the adoption of alternative fuels, new propulsion systems, and digital technologies. Dimitrios Fafalios, President of Fafalios Shipping S.A., noted the importance of preparing seafarers for these changes. The HSSC is strategically designed to meet this demand by helping trainees manage technological shifts and new safety requirements in a controlled and interactive setting.
MetaSHIP: Bringing Virtual Vessels to Life
A highlight of the training program is the ABS MetaSHIP Fleet, which includes the ABS Spirit, ABS Eagle, and ABS Integrity—highly detailed virtual ships modeled directly from real ship blueprints. Trainees can simulate vessel inspections, perform documentation, and explore various ship types and ages, gaining critical operational familiarity without stepping onboard a real vessel.
Global Network and Broader Industry Impact
The Athens center joins existing ABS facilities in Doha and Singapore, collectively serving as a network of maritime education hubs. Supported by the Hellenic Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Union of Greek Shipowners, the HSSC will also tackle emerging safety challenges such as hybrid battery propulsion, cyber-enabled system risks, and safe handling of dynamic fuels. Through ABS Training Solutions, the center offers a broad curriculum tailored to the technical, operational, and managerial needs of the marine and offshore sectors.
The launch of the Hellenic Ship Safety Center in Athens reflects ABS’s commitment to pioneering future-ready training. By combining advanced simulation tools, expert-led curriculum, and strategic industry collaboration, ABS is equipping maritime professionals to face the future of shipping with confidence and competence.
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Source: ABS
