The University of Gibraltar has officially opened its new Maritime Simulation Centre, equipped with two advanced bridge simulators donated by industry partners Peninsula & HTM and Boluda Towage. This state-of-the-art facility enhances practical training for BSc Maritime Science cadets and working professionals by replicating complex operational and emergency scenarios. Ultimately, the new centre bridges the gap between academic theory and sea-time execution while reinforcing Gibraltar’s status as a premier global maritime hub.
Gibraltar | September 8, 2026 – The University of Gibraltar has officially opened its new Maritime Simulation Centre, marking a major leap forward for maritime education and professional training in the region. Equipped with two advanced bridge simulators funded by leading maritime industry partners Peninsula & HTM (Hercules Tanker Management) and Boluda Towage, the facility is set to reinforce Gibraltar’s status as a premier global maritime and bunkering hub.
Bridging Academia and Real-World Operations
The newly inaugurated centre directly supports the University’s specialized professional courses alongside its flagship BSc (Hons) Maritime Science, Nautical with Cadetship degree.
Engineered to replicate exact, modern operational conditions, the dual bridge simulator setup allows cadets and working professionals to cultivate critical competencies. Trainees can hone:
- Advanced navigation and pilotage skills
- Bridge team resource management
- Complex vessel handling in restricted waters
- Emergency decision-making across dynamic environmental scenarios
For degree candidates balancing rigorous coursework with practical requirements, the hands-on environment serves as an essential bridge toward their mandatory sea-time placements. Furthermore, the system complies with rigorous UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) training criteria, helping students progress smoothly toward their Officer of the Watch certifications.
Industry Collaboration at the Core
The realization of the simulation centre highlights the close synergy between academic institutions and commercial maritime stakeholders operating within Gibraltar. Each contributing partner invested heavily in the infrastructure to future-proof the local talent pipeline, ensuring future crews are well-versed in complex operations, ranging from traditional ship handling to specialized green fuel bunkering procedures.
“The opening of the Maritime Simulation Centre is a milestone for our maritime training capabilities,” stated Professor Catherine Bachleda, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of the University of Gibraltar. “It provides both our degree cadets and working professionals with vital hands-on simulation training alongside their academic and professional development. We are deeply grateful to Peninsula & HTM and Boluda Towage for their generous support, a powerful demonstration of the strong, ongoing collaboration between the University and Gibraltar’s maritime sector.”
Strengthening Gibraltar’s Global Maritime Standing
Beyond supporting enrolled undergraduates, the multi-functional simulation hub significantly expands the University’s capacity to deliver advanced, localized training for international shipping personnel, tug masters, and commercial operators.
By cultivating world-class operational competence right on the Rock, a vital crossroads for Mediterranean traffic, bunkering, and crew changes, the initiative ensures that Gibraltar remains at the cutting edge of global maritime education, safety compliance, and technological innovation.
About the University of Gibraltar
The University of Gibraltar offers internationally recognised education with a strong industry focus. Accredited by the UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), it provides a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional maritime courses. Uniquely, it is home to the only MCA-approved cadetship and degree programme in mainland Europe and offers UK-aligned training for the global seafaring community.
Source: University of Gibraltar