Rolls-Royce unveils new training centre

HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway officially opened the 3,000m² modern facility which will be used for customer training, with a particular focus on offshore deepwater oil and gas exploration and production activities. It has been fully equipped with workshops, classrooms and conference facilities to allow crews to train with systems and equipment matching those on board their vessel.

Anders Almestad, president, Offshore, Rolls-Royce, told The Motorship: “There are significant lack of competence and capacity globally today in marine. In particular, in areas related to the oil and gas sector. The training centre allows us to address this capability shortage both externally and internally. It will further train staff in difficult operational situation and thereby reduce health, environment and safety risks.”

He added: “It is our intention to further develop training in other parts of the world. Brazil, Singapore and United States are already in the plan.”

The centre features a full scale offshore vessel bridge with a 360˚ field of vision where ship manoeuvring, anchor handling and other offshore operations can be simulated. Rolls-Royce’s marine technology and individual simulators will allow trainers to operate winches, cranes and other equipment.

The centre, which is located in the newly built Norwegian Maritime Competence Centre on at Ålesund University College, will accommodate more than 500 employees in purpose built office accommodation.