Training tug masters of the future

Svitzer has selected Kongsberg Digital to supply tug training simulators as the Denmark-based towage operator’s Port of Newcastle, Australia operation prepares for the arrival of the innovative TRAnsverse tug in early 2025.

The expression ‘evolution not revolution’ is often used to allay fears of change but through the wonders of technology, the world of simulation as a means of training suggests it is now acceptable to consider switching the two words around.

In the past, the training of tug crews comprised the handing down of skills to the next generation by learning on the job with many tug masters having started on their journey to the top as a cabin boy or girl making the tea.

Operating procedures have become vessel-specific rather than standard across the fleet, and with the arrival of non-conventional tug designs and demands for greater safety and efficiency, particularly with digital systems, has the task of training tug masters and by extension pilots become more revolutionary than evolutionary?

Svitzer is preparing for the introduction of the 25m, 60tbp TRAnsverse tug at its Newcastle, Australia operation. The vessel’s inline thrusters and omni-directional hull form, along with other innovative features, require specialist training for the crews and the new simulator facility developed with Kongsberg, will provide realistic conditions for ensuring the safe operation of these innovative vessels.

The contract includes delivery of a “ground-breaking” training suite by Q2 2024, notably a full-mission 360’ K-Sim Navigation simulator configured as a tug bridge and a part-task 180’ K-Sim Navigation ship’s bridge simulator. It also includes an advanced instructor system with CCTV for monitoring and debriefing, comprehensive training of the instructors, and a warranty for the entire system.

It will be installed at Svitzer’s operations facility at Newcastle and will not only serve the training needs of harbour pilots and tug masters from the port, but also cater for professionals worldwide.

Svitzer says Kongsberg Digital met all the criteria for price, delivery time, support and warranty and is in collaboration with AMC Launceston, who modelled the Maersk/Robert Allan TRAnsverse tug. There could also be opportunities to connect the simulator in Newcastle with other simulators around Australia, to provide “pioneering pilot/master integrated training across distant locations”.