The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC, and Abu Dhabi Ports, are to establish a joint Marine Simulator Centre in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, to provide a range of maritime training for the UAE’s growing marine workforce.

Under the long-term partnership, the Marine Simulation Centre will provide training for ADNOC employees and serve the wider maritime community when it begins operations in late 2018.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said, "This partnership sheds light on ADNOC and Abu Dhabi Ports’ continuous efforts to support the creation of a sustainable and knowledge-based economy. Through this state-of-the-art training centre, we are working together to further develop national skills and expertise in the marine sector in line with the world's best practices. We look forward to showcasing the centre’s contribution to building the national economy."

The centre will offer a full suite of simulation facilities related to navigational, engineering and cargo operations in a state-of-the-art complex. As well as providing a variety of maritime training programmes, the centre will also help investigate maritime accidents, explore different maritime scenarios, and carry out world-class research.

When it becomes operational, the centre will have four Full Mission Navigation Bridge Simulators, including two with 360-degree fields of vision, a Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator and an Engine Room Simulator. It will be able to train 28 students at a time.

Rashed Saud Al Shamsi, Director of ADNOC Logistics, said, "By working with Abu Dhabi Ports to establish the Marine Simulation Centre, we are investing in the up-skilling of our people and providing them with the tools to succeed. This collaboration is an example of how ADNOC is creating value-add partnerships that will ensure we deliver on our ambition to create a world-class workforce."

The number of Emiratis in the UAE marine workforce is expected to increase significantly over the next decade driven by the push to recruit and train national talent across the industry.

Previously, Abu Dhabi’s marine workforce has largely been trained at marine education centres, institutes and academies elsewhere in the GCC and in other regions. A substantial number of trainees who graduate from marine education centres across the world each year are employed in the UAE, particularly Abu Dhabi.

ADNOC requires simulation studies to be carried out for key projects. After the start of operations at the Marine Simulation Centre, these will be conducted in Abu Dhabi rather than overseas. The joint training centre will increase the level of efficiency and safety of port operations, while assisting in future accident investigations and the resulting preventative measures