Aalesund University College Upgrades to All-New K-Sim Navigation Simulator from Kongsberg Maritime

Aalesund University College has become one of the first Kongsberg Maritime simulator users to migrate to the cutting-edge new simulator technology platform, K-Sim Navigation. In a contract signed on January 6th 2015 following an open tender by the College, Kongsberg Maritime will deliver a new K-Sim Navigation aft and forward bridge configuration, which is DNV Class B compliant with an integrated DP2 simulator. Installation is scheduled for May 2015. The University College has also signed a contract for an upgrade of all hardware of the College’s existing KONGSBERG Polaris ship’s bridge simulators to K-Sim Navigation.

Launched in September 2014, K-Sim Navigation is based on a new technology platform enabling more realistic training scenarios and enhanced user benefits for both instructors and students. In addition to extensive upgrades to the simulator’s instructor facilities, K-Sim Navigation features a significantly enhanced physical engine and state-of-the-art hydrodynamic modelling, allowing vessels, objects and equipment to behave and interact as in real life. The simulation system can easily be integrated with other Kongsberg Maritime simulators to enable a comprehensive range of training scenarios.

“K-Sim Navigation represents a significant upgrade to our simulator facility, enabling us to expand our course offering and make the most of the latest training technology. We will run courses on our new K-Sim Navigation simulators for students in navigation and DP as well as training courses for external companies. We will soon be positioned to offer the most realistic simulator training available and believe that this will benefit our students and their employers greatly,” says Norvald Kjerstad, Professor in Nautical Science, Aalesund University College.

In addition to upgrading its simulator facility, the College has also taken out a five year ‘Long Term System Support Program’ (LTSSP) with Kongsberg Maritime, ensuring its new simulators are the first to get any new software or hardware developments. For Aalesund University College, this means upgrade from Polaris to K-Sim Navigation software. Operational benefits of the LTSSP include fixed and predictable costs, software and hardware updates and direct connection to system experts and the Kongsberg Maritime helpdesk. All simulator LTSSPs are precisely matched to the needs of the customer and Kongsberg Maritime's simulator development, enabling equipment performance to improve over time and ensuring continuity of simulator availability.