SUNY Maritime is now home to a new state-of-the-art tug and barge simulator, thanks to funding from the Bouchard Transportation Company, Inc. (via marinelog.com)
The Bouchard Transportation Company, Inc. and the State University of New York Maritime College (SUNY Maritime) today held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the official opening of the Bouchard Tug & Barge Simulation Center.
The Bouchard Tug & Barge Simulation Center is a state-of-the-art training facility, incorporating the latest in Kongsberg’s Polaris Bridge Simulation technology. It utilizes an industry-inspired bridge console arrangement, with the latest hydrodynamic ship models and exercise areas.
SUNY Maritime College and the Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. are committed to educating future mariners; the young people who will lead the industry in the years to come. Working together, these two entities also are committed to training mariners currently working in the tug and barge industry, in order to keep them abreast of new topics and procedures.
With a neat snip from an oversized pair of ceremonial scissors, the State University of New York Maritime College officially opened the state-of-the-art Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. Tug & Barge Simulation Center before a crowd of more than 100 students, faculty, staff, elected officials and industry leaders. The simulation center is located in historic Fort Schuyler on the SUNY Maritime campus.
The ribbon-cutting event was hosted by SUNY Maritime President, Rear Adm. Michael A. Alfultis. Joining President Alfultis at the event was Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-14); Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., President and CEO, Morton S. Bouchard III; his sons, Morton S. Bouchard IV and Brendan Bouchard; Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Bouchard Transportation, Capt. Robert Glas; and Capt. Eric Johansson, professor of marine transportation and professional education at Maritime College.
The Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. Tug and Barge Simulation Center is the latest in Kongsberg Polaris Bridge simulation technology, utilizing an industry-inspired bridge console arrangement, with the latest hydrodynamic ship models and exercise areas. The Center offers full mission bridge simulators, instruction stations, and a de-briefing area, where instructors can discuss topics including navigation, seamanship and bridge resource management skills required in the operation of tugs and barges.
Training on this state-of-the-art Center ensures that students enrolled at the College, and professional mariners alike, are well-educated and trained in a controlled environment. Attention will be given to the complexities of operating tugs and barges, ranging in size from 3,000 to 12,000 horsepower, which carry all types of commodities. The Center creates new opportunities and better prepares future and current professionals for successful careers in the maritime industry.
Funded by a gift from the Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., the simulation facility is available to professional mariners currently working on tugs and barges. Students at SUNY Maritime College will be trained with this new technology as part of their program of study.
Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. has a wonderful history with SUNY Maritime College. Each year it awards scholarships to several deserving students. The company also employs many Maritime alumni following their graduation. Today’s official opening of the Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. Tug & Barge Simulation Center is just the latest example of its generosity bestowed upon the SUNY Maritime campus.
maritime-executive.com