Civil construction has started on a new training simulator building at Svitzer Australia’s Port of Newcastle tug base, which will deliver enhanced maritime training capabilities to the East Coast of NSW.
Svitzer, a global leader in maritime services, is investing in state-of-the-art Kongsberg Digital maritime simulators in support of crew training and other marine applications.
The start of construction signals the next major milestone toward delivering a training centre of excellence for the deployment of Svitzer’s innovative, new TRAnsverse tug vessels – forecast to enter service in Newcastle in 2025 (the second and third to be deployed in the world).
Svitzer Australia Chief Operating Officer, David Phillips, said the new simulator and training facilities were a demonstration of Svitzer’s ongoing investment into world-class towage and maritime infrastructure across Australia and commitment to upskilling and training Australian seafarers.
”We are excited to see construction underway for a facility that will provide the latest and most advanced maritime training and technology for pilots, tug masters, and other vessels.
”As the country’s largest private employer of Australian seafarers, we recognise the important role we play in maritime skill development and using the next generation of technology to train and upskill the next generation of seafarer,” Mr Phillips said.
“There will be further opportunities to connect the simulator in Newcastle with other simulators around Australia and the world, pioneering Pilot/Master integrated training, as well as several other training and familiarisation needs. This includes applications such as emergency response training and for emerging industries such as offshore wind development and beyond.”
Local builders and contractors are being engaged to deliver the construction project in Newcastle, including for design, civil and electrical works.
Svitzer has also made its first staffing appointment for the facility with experienced Newcastle Master, Ben Holder, coming on-shore as Training Master for the facility.
Ben will act as a key leader in the introduction of the new TRAnsverse tug, including supporting familiarisation and training needs, and helping Svitzer maximise the capabilities of the Simulator and tug.
Svitzer will provide further information regarding the build completion and opening for the Simulator facility in coming months, and opportunities for shared training and familiarisation.
