Wärtsilä and GigaMare sign training deal to boost crew skills in the Philippines

The Philippines plays a significant role in the global maritime industry, home to a large percentage of the world’s seafarers. By partnering with Wärtsilä’s Land and Sea Academy (WLSA), GigaMare can re-skill and up-skill crews in the latest marine engine technologies as shipping moves towards more efficient and sustainable operations.

“As the industry evolves, it is vital that seafaring crews are well equipped with the skills needed to operate vessels efficiently. They not only need the technical skills, but also the ability to lead, adapt, and succeed in today’s global maritime environment,” says Jari Ullakonoja, CEO & President, GigaMare. 

WLSA will train and certify GigaMare instructors to deliver training that meet Wärtsilä’s quality standards. The programmes are designed to address practical, real-life challenges using the latest insights from Wärtsilä’s technical experts and field service engineers, while meeting Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) requirements and the International Safety Management (ISM) code.

“This new training partnership is a significant step towards establishing highly competent ship crews that are capable of operating and maintaining vessels efficiently, safely and cost-effectively. Most importantly, by bringing Wärtsilä-certified training directly to the Philippines, we ensure that seafarers and ship operators have convenient and timely access to the latest expertise, tailored to the realities of their local context, which makes upskilling more accessible and impactful than ever before,” comments Tomi Urho, Director, Training Services at Wärtsilä.

GigaMare Inc., established in 2013, has over a decade of experience. Under this new agreement, it can now sell Wärtsilä product training directly to local customers as an authorised Wärtsilä Training Partner.

Wärtsilä Marine in brief   

Wärtsilä Marine is a global pioneer in power, propulsion and lifecycle solutions for the marine market. We develop industry-leading technologies, advancing maritime’s transition to new fuels. We support building an end-to-end digital ecosystem where all vessels and ports are connected. Ultimately, Wärtsilä Marine is driving the shipping industry forward on its journey towards a decarbonised and sustainable future through our broad portfolio of engines, propulsion systems, hybrid technology, exhaust treatment, shaft line solutions and digital technologies, as well as integrated powertrain systems. Our offering, which is underpinned by our performance-based agreements, upgrades, lifecycle solutions, decarbonisation services, as well as an unrivalled global network of maritime expertise, delivers the efficiency, reliability, safety, and environmental performance needed to support a safe and sustainable future for our customers, our communities and our planet.

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Wärtsilä in brief 

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. We emphasise innovation in sustainable technology and services to help our customers continuously improve their environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 18,300 professionals in more than 230 locations in 77 countries is shaping the decarbonisation of our industries across the globe. In 2024, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 6.4 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.