Kongsberg, BCIT Launch Marine Simulation Centre in Canada

Partnership Establishes New Simulation Hub

Kongsberg Maritime and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) have announced an investment to create the Marine Innovation Simulation Centre of Excellence (MISE) in British Columbia, according to a release from Kongsberg Maritime covered by The Maritime Executive. The initiative, also reported by Smart Maritime Network, is intended to strengthen maritime innovation and skills development while supporting objectives in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.

The partnership is enabled through Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy, tied to Kongsberg’s programs in the country. Funding will go toward upgraded facility infrastructure, applied research and faculty onboarding, and long-term capability development.

Simulation Technology at the Core

BCIT’s new centre will be built around Kongsberg Maritime’s simulation technology, offering a synthetic environment, development tools and APIs for collaborative research involving Canadian industry, academia, defence and public-sector partners. The facility is meant to support prototyping, human factor studies, testing, and accident and incident analysis, covering areas such as maritime safety, autonomy, cyber resilience, critical infrastructure, port development, and low- and zero-emission operations.

Jordan Freed, President and Managing Director at Kongsberg Geospatial, said the company was pleased to demonstrate its commitment to Canada through the partnership, noting that sovereign digital systems are a key part of Canada’s defence industrial strategy. Are Føllesdal Tjønn, Managing Director for Maritime Simulation at Kongsberg Maritime, said the collaboration aims to support safer operations, faster competence development, and testing of new concepts before real-world deployment.

Expanding Access to Training

The partnership will also provide cloud-based simulation licenses, allowing BCIT to extend training beyond its campus through remote and distributed learning models, including expanded access for Indigenous communities.

BCIT President Dr. Jeff Zabudsky said the project would enable new education and training programs and support small and medium-sized businesses in commercializing new products. Provost Jennifer Figner said MISE reflects BCIT’s commitment to preparing talent for Canada’s evolving marine sector.

Government Backing

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, described the centre as the first national hub for maritime simulation and applied research in Canada, saying it would help address a shortage of certified mariners identified by both commercial operators and Canada’s Department of National Defence ahead of new fleet deliveries. The partners expect the project to generate socio-economic value through workforce development, industry-academia collaboration, and regional economic activity.