NSA Chooses Kongsberg Maritime as Training Simulator Partner

On behalf of the Norwegian Training Center in Manila, the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA) has chosen Kongsberg Maritime to upgrade the simulation facilities at the Norwegian Training Center – Manila (NTC-M). Signed this week at Nor-Shipping 2015 in Norway, the contract covers the delivery of new simulators and upgrades to existing simulators across all primary training areas including navigation & ship handling, dynamic positioning (DP), engine room and cargo handling. The simulator delivery will be supported by a Long Term System Support Program (LTSSP). The funding was secured through NSA and 19 of its members and partners; DNK (Warrisk), DOF, Eidesvik, Fred Olsen, GCRieber, Grieg, Havila , Høegh Auto Liners, Høegh LNG, Johan Jørgen Ugland, Kristian Gerhard Jebsen, Klaveness, Knutsen OAS, Odfjell ASA, Olympic, Solstad, Solvang, Teekay and Thome.

NTC-M was established in 1990 by the NSA in order to provide relevant training for Filipino seafarers serving on its members’ ships. Reflecting the importance of NTC–M to the Norwegian shipping sector, the use of the latest Kongsberg Maritime simulation technology will support the NSA’s objective of improving the human factor in ship operation.

“The contract with Kongsberg Maritime represents a significant investment in support of our commitment to training in the Philippines,” comments Sturla Henriksen, CEO at the NSA. “Norway has a global fleet of almost 1,800 vessels. We aim to offer the same level of training as available in Norway to more of our crew. This facility is an important step in that direction, and Filipino seafarers make up a significant portion of crews on Norwegian vessels. With new Kongsberg Maritime simulators we will be positioned to provide very high quality training across a range of disciplines, helping to secure Norway’s position as a leading player in international shipping.”

Kongsberg Maritime’s simulator delivery will introduce new training possibilities at NTC-M across several core areas including: Offshore & Navigation Training, Offshore Crane Training, DP Advanced Operator Training, DP Basic Operator Training, Engine & Power Training and Liquid Cargo Handling. All simulators to be delivered are certified by DNV GL ensuring that STWC requirements are met. In addition the simulators meet relevant industry standards such as IMCA, Nautical Institute (NI), Opito and Norsok.

The full simulator scope of supply consists of: 
• 1 Full mission forward and aft bridge with DP2 (K-Sim Offshore) 
• 1 Forward bridge with optional DP 2 and aft bridge (K-Sim Navigation) 
• 3 Deep Sea navigation trainers (K-Sim Polaris) with GMDSS 
• 2 K-Pos DP trainers DNV class B (K-Sim DP simulator)
• 3 K-Pos Basic trainers with DP software (K-Pos DP simulator) 
• 1 Offshore crane simulator and slinger & banks man stations 
• 1 Full mission engine simulator. 6 Desktop engine room simulators 
• 6 Desktop liquid cargo handling simulators

The new simulators can be fully integrated, enabling NTC-M to provide Crew Resource Management (CRM) training, where all departments on board work together as they would in real life. For instance, the K-Sim Navigation, DP, Offshore crane (with Slinger & Banksman) and K-Sim Engine systems may be integrated in a single exercise including ship handling, power management, crane, and DP operation. This kind of training supports technical learning in addition to enhancing communication between different areas on board a vessel.

In addition to the extensive simulator delivery, a six-year LTSSP has been ordered to ensure that NTC-M can focus on its core business while Kongsberg Maritime manages the efficiency and reliability of the simulators. The program provides high simulator uptime and a stable platform for offering advanced training services, in addition to securing access to new simulation software and hardware when it becomes available.

“We’re delighted to have been selected by the NSA to help keep the NTC-M at the very cutting-edge of simulator technology,” said Geir Håøy, President, Kongsberg Maritime. “The NSA’s commitment in the Philippines helps to increase operational efficiency and improve safety on board Norwegian ships and we are proud to be part of its future as a key asset to the Norwegian shipping industry.”