Advancing Maritime Education: Aboa Mare’s Simulator for the Hybrid Ferry Aurora Botnia
In a world where sustainability is key, Aboa Mare, a renowned maritime education and training center in Turku, Finland, has taken a step forward by completing a ship simulator model for the hybrid ferry Aurora Botnia of Wasaline. This project, carried out in collaboration since the autumn of 2024, aims to offer a realistic training experience through a digital twin designed for specialized instruction, focusing on the unique propulsion system of the vessel. The Aboa Mare simulator represents a milestone in the educational transformation of the maritime sector, allowing crews to experience and master cutting-edge technology without operational risks.
During the tests conducted on November 18, 2025, Senior Captain Johannes Sjöholm from Wasaline verified the accuracy of the simulator model in replicating the complex maneuvering characteristics and behaviors of the Aurora Botnia. Aboa Mare’s advancement not only benefits merchant navy professionals but also provides maritime investors and nautical enthusiasts with a clear vision of how technological innovations can transform maritime training and optimize energy efficiency.
Mastery of Complex Dual Fuel and Battery Modes
The Aurora Botnia stands out as one of the most sustainable ferries globally, operating almost carbon-neutral on the Vaasa (Finland) – Umeå (Sweden) route. This hybrid ferry uses dual-fuel engines running on biogas and LNG, along with an extensive battery system. The simulator developed by Aboa Mare faithfully reproduces the operational modes of the ferry, allowing training in different energy scenarios.
- The simulator enables officers to practice in three main modes: pure gas/diesel mode, pure battery mode, and hybrid mode, enhancing their ability to manage energy optimally and meet emission reduction targets.
This training is essential to achieve the IMO’s carbon intensity indicators. Not only does this training prepare crews for a more ecological future, but it also highlights how the implementation of hybrid systems in the maritime industry could revolutionize the sector.
Key Role in Energy Efficiency
The main benefit of this innovative tool is enabling the Aurora Botnia crew to maximize energy efficiency. By training in a simulated environment, officers can practice techniques such as “peak-shaving” to manage transient load peaks and emission-free port maneuvers, using only battery power. Eco-driving training is also available, simulating the impact of different propulsion blends on fuel consumption and emissions on the actual Vaasa to Umeå route.
- Studies show that simulator training can result in real fuel savings of up to 13%.
For professional seafarers, this level of detailed training not only reinforces their technical skills but also ensures they can meet increasingly stringent environmental standards.
Strengthening Digitalization and Maritime Training
The development of this simulator is a significant step towards digitalization in maritime training. By creating an advanced digital twin, Aboa Mare and Wasaline are setting a new standard for realistic and cost-effective training in the industry, allowing safe and complex maneuvers without risk to the vessel or the need for actual fuel.
- The model is not only realistic but also cost-effective, enabling the performance of high-risk emergency exercises and optimal navigation practices.
This approach strengthens Aboa Mare’s position as a global leader in advanced maritime education by integrating sustainable training models into its curriculum. For maritime investors, these innovations not only represent an improvement in daily operations but also an opportunity to invest in technology that promises to change the future of navigation.
About Wasaline
Wasaline is known for operating the world’s northernmost international ferry route between Vaasa, Finland, and Umeå, Sweden. This company is a pioneer in the Baltic Sea in offering zero carbon footprint transportation thanks to its hybrid ferry Aurora Botnia, which uses biogas and batteries, reflecting a firm commitment to environmental sustainability.
About Aboa Mare
Situated in Turku, Finland, Aboa Mare is a prominent center for maritime education. It offers specialized degree programs and continuous education in IGF and Polar codes, bridge resource management (BRM) and engine room resource management (ERM), and sustainability. With advanced maritime simulators, Aboa Mare is actively involved in high-quality R&D projects, leveraging its simulation expertise.
In conclusion, the development of the simulator for the Aurora Botnia represents not only a significant advancement for Aboa Mare and Wasaline but also an opportunity for professionals, investors, and maritime sector enthusiasts to engage with cutting-edge technology that paves the way towards a more sustainable and efficient future.
This article highlights how Aboa Mare has advanced maritime training through its innovative simulator, providing an essential educational tool that facilitates the transition to more sustainable and efficient navigation practices. It also underscores the opportunities that this technology offers in terms of investment and professional development.
