Peninsula, a marine fuel supplier, has funded the creation of a maritime simulation facility at the University of Gibraltar as part of an expanded collaboration between the two organizations.

The Peninsula Maritime Simulation Suite builds on a memorandum of understanding signed between Peninsula and the University of Gibraltar earlier this year. The facility is designed to support the university's BSc (Hons) Maritime Science and Cadetship programme and provide training that meets UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) requirements.

The suite will feature a Part Task Navigational Bridge Simulator that Peninsula says is compliant with the MCA's updated sea-time equivalency requirements. The facility will support multi-language instruction in English, Spanish, and French, and offer training modules for Peninsula officers and crew, including LNG bunkering scenarios.

John A. Bassadone, founder and CEO of Peninsula, commented: "We are proud to support the development of Gibraltar's maritime future. This investment not only ensures our own seafarers receive world-class training locally, but also reinforces Gibraltar's position as a centre of maritime excellence underpinned by state-of-the-art training facilities."

Aaron Lopez, head of the University of Gibraltar's Maritime Academy, commented: "The Peninsula Maritime Simulation Suite is a game-changer for our cadets and the wider maritime sector. It allows us to deliver high-impact, cost-effective training aligned with industry needs, while also attracting international talent to Gibraltar."

The facility will use technology from Wärtsilä and is described by Peninsula as the only facility of its kind in the region. The simulation suite is intended to enable cadets to progress toward their Certificate of Competence as Officers of the Watch.

The collaboration forms part of the University of Gibraltar's broader plans to establish a Maritime Simulation Centre and expand its maritime training programmes.