Simulator centres train the next generation of tug masters, pilots

In the Netherlands, Siport21 has strengthened its tug master training offering with the introduction of full Rotortug simulation capabilities at its maritime simulation centre, with support from Kotug International and Kongsberg Maritime.

It upgraded its K-Sim bridge simulators for training masters and deck officers by installing a third azimuth thruster control to simulate operations on Rotortugs. Trainees can gain an understanding of the modelling and manoeuvring of Rotortugs, which have a triangular propulsion configuration with two forward azimuth thrusters and one aft.

Siport21’s team of naval engineers and 3D modelling specialists worked with Kongsberg and Kotug to validate numerical models and hydrodynamic characterisations in this high-fidelity environment to accurately reflect the operational behaviour of tri-azimuth thruster vessels during various operational scenarios; these included ship escorting, confined space manoeuvres and indirect towing.

Feedback from Kotug masters and trainers enabled the fine tuning of the model, resulting in a reliable and operationally representative simulation tool.

“With this upgrade, we can now offer one of the most advanced and realistic Rotortug simulation environments available,” said Siport21 director for manoeuvring and nautical studies, Raul Redondo.

“This capability enhances the quality and depth of our training programmes while allowing operators to safely familiarise themselves with complex manoeuvres and the unique handling characteristics of these innovative vessels,”  he said.

Simulator upgrades are part of Siport21’s strategy to expand its portfolio of services and to incorporate more digitalisation and advanced training in 2026.

In 2025, Siport21 added operations in El Salvador, Nicaragua and Egypt to its network in 70 countries. Its main projects include supporting the development of the port of Barcelona, Spain, and construction of the Princess Elisabeth energy island offshore Belgium, in which Multraship Towage & Salvage is the leading towage provider during maritime construction.

For that project, Siport21 provided three real-time ship manoeuvring simulators at its centre and co-ordination training for a multidisciplinary team.

Owner training

Kotug Canada has trained crews on simulators in British Columbia, virtually operating two methanol-fuelled escort and emergency response tugs that are set to be delivered in Q2 2026.

Crews practised tug handling and navigation using a digital model designed to emulate the new escort tugs at the P-Star simulator facility.

Sanmar built SD Aisemaht and SD Qwiy Aanitsa Sarah to Robert Allan Ltd’s RASalvor 4400-DFM design, with around 120 tonnes of bollard pull. These 44-m tugs have winches, firefighting and oil-spill response equipment on board to provide long-range towing, anchor-handling, rescue and salvage.

Their propulsion includes twin methanol dual-fuel engines and Schottel’s Sydrive-M mechanical-hybrid propulsion, consisting of two azimuth rudderpropellers of type SRP 710 that can be driven by just one of the two high-speed main engines.

Kotug said training began in December 2025, with its trainers delivering targeted tug handling and tailored escort courses. The simulator model was developed in close collaboration with Robert Allan Ltd and validated by senior trainers before the programme started.

“Built for purpose, the course reflects the exact operational profile of escorting tankers to and from Vancouver, operating in stand-by, and responding decisively when it matters,” said Kotug.

Captains, chief mates and second mates participated in this training, which focused on safe, efficient manoeuvring across a wide range of scenarios, while ensuring crews understood the vessel’s capabilities and limits in real-world conditions.

“By the end of the programme, all participants were fully prepared to operate and support the vessels within their defined operational envelope,” said Kotug. “This is how we prepare crews: precise, practical and aligned with the realities offshore.” 

McAllister Towing has started its first national training campaign using simulators as it expands its New York fleet. In Q1 2026, it partnered with State University of New York Maritime College to provide courses using full-mission simulations.

Courses led by tug Captain Jeff Slesinger are focused on real-world towing operations, including advanced wire-towing skills, simulating scenarios in vessel towage and harbour operations.

Tug Captain Richie Bates is providing mentorship and evaluation oversight as the designated examiner on these courses, which enable crews to learn together and gain experience and professional qualifications.

“We do not just crew boats; we are building the next generation of mariners,” said McAllister.

In January, McAllister welcomed its latest newbuild harbour tugboat, Gerald McAllister, to its fleet. supporting ships calling at terminals and quaysides in New York.

It is the latest tractor tug in the New York-headquartered owner’s newbuilding programme, as it strives to enhance towage services while lowering emissions in key US ports.

Gerald McAllister is the fifth in a six-tug series of 84-tonne bollard pull tugs that Washburn & Doughty Associates is building in Maine. It has 5,050 kW of installed power from two Caterpillar-manufactured Cat 3516E main diesel engines, linked to an exhaust aftertreatment system for compliance with the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 4 emissions standards.

This ABS-classed, 28-m tug has two Schottel azimuth Z-drives of type SRP 490 with fixed pitch propellers, two John Deere 4045 AFM85 generators, each developing 99 kW of electrical power, and an engineroom-monitoring system.

Practical training 

Tug masters serving at Alport Mogadishu port in Somalia have received practical training, as the harbour increases container ship activity, services and trade.

This port has been operated by Albayrak Group since 2014 under a long-term concession agreement with the Somali government. As more container carriers call at its berths, demand for tug support is rising, as are the skills their captains require to handle these ships.

Turkish group Friends Marin provided manoeuvring training for tugboat masters at Somalia’s largest port, to support professional development and improve ship-handling skills.

Training was undertaken during a four-day programme, with two days dedicated to theoretical instruction and two days of practical on-the-water exercises for each group.

Key subjects included safe tug operations during navigation, vessel-approach and securing techniques, towing manoeuvres under varying operational conditions and hands-on testing of the tugs’ firefighting systems.

Friends Marin co-founder, Basar Bozkurt, delivered the training, which was tailored according to the operational needs and experience of the participants.

Co-ordinated operation modules contained exercises such as three tugs manoeuvring together to assist a ship, which aligns with real operational conditions at Alport Mogadishu.

“At the end of the training, all participants successfully acquired the knowledge and practical skills needed to operate their tugs more safely and efficiently within operational limits,” said Friends Marin.

Alport Mogadishu continues to invest in the port and enhance the competencies of its maritime personnel under its 20-year agreement with the Somalia Port Authority. In its second phase of investment, it plans to expand the capacity and capability of the multipurpose port.

In Chile, Ultratug has enhanced its crew training to ensure they are ready for operations in the cold climates encountered in the country’s southern ports and straits. Seafarers are trained on simulators, in academies and onboard vessels to raise their competence and safety.

“At Ultratug, safety is the foundation of every manoeuvre,” said Ultratug Chile assistant manager for health, safety, quality and the environment (HSQE), Javier Carcamo.

“Our HSEQ team works before, during, and after each operation to ensure every process, every training session, and every decision meets the highest standards.”

Training is a continuous process that enhances crew competence and professional development and is safety-focused, testing seafarers in real-world scenarios.

“We believe in continuous training, self-care, and the commitment of every crew member as the key to operational success,” said Mr Carcamo. “Excellence at sea is never accidental; it is built through discipline, preparation, and teamwork.”

The benefits in terms of safety and port operations of integrated training between tug masters and pilots will be discussed at Riviera’s 28th International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards, which will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, in association with Caterpillar, on 19-21 May 2026.