Australian Navy orders additional Kongsberg bridge simulators

The Royal Australian Navy has awarded Kongsberg Digital a contract for the delivery of two K-Sim full mission bridge simulators at its HMAS Watson Bridge Simulator Facility in Watsons Bay, Sydney, Australia.

The Watson facility contract follows an earlier one from November 2018, under which Kongsberg was to deliver two simulators for a new training facility at HMAS Stirling in Perth.

The project is a noteworthy addition to Kongsberg’s service delivery contracts with the RAN, which includes multiple shiphandling and engine room simulators delivered at training facilities across the country.

The requirement for expansion and intensification of RAN’s training program is the result of a sustained period of growth and capability enhancement for the navy. Its shipbuilding program is currently fully occupied with the construction of new Hunter-class anti-submarine Future Frigates and Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels, while the navy is also taking delivery of two Supply-class AOR (Auxilliary Oiler Replenishment) vessels.

“Our simulator training requirements continue to grow and Kongsberg has shown the flexibility to support our requirements, even in a compressed timeframe,” said Commander Chris Doherty, Head of Command and Navigation, RAN. “This latest delivery reflects the depth of our partnership as well as the importance of high-quality simulator training to the safety and operational performance of our people and fleet.”