AASTS joins forces with Kongsberg to train the next generation of maritime professionals using the best educational equipment, giving them a hands-on experience of using various vessel and ship types and sailing in different climates and weather conditions

In line with its ongoing efforts to empower young Emiratis in the maritime sector, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport Branch in Sharjah (AASTS) has adopted the world’s best simulation systems from Kongsberg, a prestigious international company that specialises in building and developing simulators. The state-of-the-art equipment will be used to train the Academy’s students to operate different marine vessels and ships, also giving them the experience of sailing in different weather conditions similar to ones encountered in real life.

Several top management members from AASTS met with experts from Kongsberg at the Academy’s Khorfakkan campus, which is the Academy’s largest branch in terms of area. Its size and equipment are comparable to the Academy’s headquarters in Alexandria, Egypt.

Offering the world’s finest maritime education

Commenting on this achievement, His Excellency Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, said, “When we signed the agreement to establish the Sharjah branch of the AASTS, which is a prominent educational institution affiliated with the League of Arab States, we pledged to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to make this branch one of the best maritime academies worldwide. We also promised to make it a maritime house of expertise that can be utilized to advance research, development and training in the UAE in general. In return, we received unlimited support from His Highness to establish a unique architectural and educational icon that surpasses some of the most prestigious universities and maritime academies around the world with its facilities and equipment.”

Global leadership

Dr. Capt. Ahmed Youssef, Associate Dean, College of Maritime Transport and Technology, AASTS said, “We chose Kongsberg because of its extensive portfolio of more than 50 years in building maritime simulators for educational and training purposes, as well their commitment to ensuring the safety of sea operations. Its systems that create realistic scenarios with real people in different locations across the world, can be integrated with other simulation centres. This means that our virtual training will be on a par with field exercises, if not more realistic, especially with the addition of weather conditions and sailing environments that are difficult to access and conduct training in. Our training programmes will not be limited to students, but will be available for professionals, navigators and captains from government and private organisations. These include marine guides, captains of offshore service vessels, oil tankers and containers and giant ships, as well as sea captains of yachts and fishing vessels.”

Kongsberg’s systems can create multiple virtual-navigation environments including scenarios that the centre provides such as simulating sailing in the high seas and berthing in seaports and marinas. The centre also allows simulating celestial navigation using stars and celestial signs. This will ensure that AASTS’ students are equipped with the necessary navigation skills and techniques required to sail efficiently and competently across the world in all seasons and different weather conditions.