Maritime manufacturer Wärtsilä will supply its latest simulation technology for a new training centre in its home country at the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk). 

The navigational bridge simulators will feature the company’s Navi-Trainer professional solution and its Techism simulation software to provide students with a realistic environment to practise and learn skills, including using multi-pilot workstations for the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). 

Olli-Pekka Brunila, director of education at Xamk, said the simulators were integral for students to learn critical operations that cannot be safely practised on real vessels: “This new learning environment provides students with a unique opportunity to develop their practical skills and prepare for demanding maritime tasks. 

“We are fortunate to have Wärtsilä’s highly advanced simulator technology as the basis for this training.” 

In addition to the two large and three medium-sized bridge simulators, Xamk’s training centre at its Kotka campus will also include two engine room simulators with two fully loaded control rooms, a dedicated command centre and multiple instructor and debriefing rooms. 

The centre is also part of a joint effort by Xamk with the South-Kymenlaakso Vocational College (Ekami), which will also use the new systems for its training, building on the collaboration between the two educational institutions at the existing Kotka Maritime Centre. 

Though Xamk has already been using a Wärtsilä simulator for the last 20 years, the new system, which will be delivered in August 2024, will be “one of the largest and most advanced” in Europe, according to Ola Lundqvist, product sales manager of voyage services for Wärtsilä. 

Lundqvist said: “It will enable students to obtain the most realistic level of operational experience possible in an educational environment. 

“We are proud to be supporting Xamk and Ekami with their goal of preparing students for their future maritime careers.” 

The order from Xamk and Ekami continues Wärtsilä’s work in the training and simulation sector following the opening of its own new land and sea academy in Vaasa, Finland, which teaches anyone who operates Wärtsilä equipment how to use it.