EMAS Offshore training academy to use Kongsberg Maritime simulators

Training - November 6, 2009

Kongsberg Maritime's simulation division has signed a contract to supply an extensive offshore simulator to EMAS Offshore in Singapore.

The contract, which was signed on 29th October 2009 is for delivery of a state-of-the-art offshore vessel simulator with forward and aft bridge configuration including full integrated anchor handling and dynamic positioning functionality, in addition to two anchor handling simulators for assisting vessels, a forward navigation bridge simulator, a Kongsberg K-Pos DP simulator and an engineroom simulator. The contract also covers instructor training and support services.

Kongsberg Maritime's offshore simulator at the EMAS Academy will support the EMAS crews to achieve safe and efficient operation through the use of realistic simulation training, especially in the complex, inherently hazardous areas of DP and anchor handling operations.

The comprehensive offshore simulator will be delivered in 2010 and will form the foundation for the EMAS Academy, which is part of EMAS Offshore, a subsidiary of EZRA Holdings Limited, a Singaporean offshore shipping company listed on the Singapore stock exchange.

The EMAS Academy was established out of recognition that offshore industry demands on maritime operators as well as the competency required to operate the newer offshore vessels have become more complex. The vision of EMAS through the Academy is to fill gaps across industry and set new performance and competency standards among offshore maritime operators.

"To develop training amongst our operators is EMAS' proactive response to ensure that the safety and environmental interests of our employees, clients and takeholders are safeguarded," said Robin Kirkpatrick COO at EMAS Offshore.

"The use of simulators will allow us to test, develop, prepare and train our sea staff, while at the same time to meet clients' increasing expectations in terms ofperformance. The partnership with Kongsberg Maritime is built on its track record in providing realistic simulators for competency training and the company's local presence was a major factor in awarding them the contract amidst very tough competition."

"The contract with EMAS is an important milestone for Kongsberg Maritime as it further proves the acceptance in the market for simulators to train maritime crew in advanced offshore vessel operations and in particular DP and anchor handling," said Mark Stuart Treen, Sales & Marketing Manager for simulation, Kongsberg Maritime.