Kongsberg Maritime Powers Up Greek Training Center With Cutting-Edge Simulators
In a move that tightens the link between real-world maritime operations and virtual training, Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract to supply advanced engine room and cargo simulators to Capital Group’s new training facility on the Greek island of Chios. The deal underscores how simulation tech is becoming indispensable for modern seafarer training—especially when it mirrors the exact systems crews will encounter at sea.
Bridging the Gap Between Simulation and Reality
The K-Sim Engine Room and K-Sim Cargo simulators, slated for delivery by June 2025, won’t just check boxes for STCW compliance—they’ll immerse trainees in virtual replicas of the very automation systems running across Capital Group’s fleet. That’s because the simulators integrate Kongsberg’s K-Chief automation tech, identical to what’s installed on the company’s tankers and LNG carriers.
“This isn’t generic training software—it’s a one-to-one digital twin of the systems these cadets will operate,” says an industry insider familiar with the deal. “When they step onboard, the muscle memory will already be there.”
Why Kongsberg Landed the Deal
The contract wasn’t awarded by chance. Capital Group’s entire fleet relies on Kongsberg’s K-Chief 600 and K-Chief 700 automation platforms, making the Norwegian firm’s simulators the logical choice. The synergy between physical systems and virtual training tools has become a selling point for Kongsberg since its onboard systems and simulation divisions formally merged in April 2025—a strategic move that’s now paying dividends.
For maritime training centers, the shift toward manufacturer-specific simulation reflects an industry-wide push to reduce the learning curve for crews. “Ten years ago, trainees might practice on generic engine room models,” notes a Kongsberg project lead. “Now they’re demanding simulations that match their employer’s exact equipment—down to the alarm sounds.”
The Future Is Fleet-Specific
The Chios installation signals a broader trend: shipping companies are investing in bespoke training ecosystems rather than off-the-shelf solutions. By aligning simulation hardware with their proprietary automation systems, operators like Capital Group can slash the time it takes for crews to achieve competency—a critical advantage in an industry facing perpetual crew shortages.
With the June 2025 deadline looming, Kongsberg’s engineers are now racing to replicate every valve, gauge, and emergency shutdown procedure from Capital’s K-Chief systems. When the simulators go live, they won’t just train seafarers—they’ll prove that in maritime tech, the line between virtual and physical is vanishing fast.
