Kongsberg Maritime has received a statement of compliance from classification society DNV for a new engine room simulator built around the Hoegh Aurora vessel design — a milestone that opens the door to advanced crew training programs on a global scale.
According to Ship & Bunker, the Norwegian technology firm announced the approval in a statement published on its website on Wednesday, May 15, 2026.
Tied to the Aurora Class Fleet
The simulator is modelled on the Aurora Class pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) currently under construction for Hoegh Autoliners, a Norway-based car carrier operator. As reported by Ship & Bunker, the vessels have a carrying capacity of 9,100 CEU and are powered by LNG, while also being designed with multi-fuel capability to accommodate potential future use of methanol or ammonia.
The multi-fuel readiness of the Aurora Class makes crew familiarisation and training particularly relevant, as operators prepare for a fleet capable of transitioning between fuel types as regulations and fuel availability evolve.
What the DNV Approval Means
The DNV statement of compliance confirms that the Kongsberg simulator meets the classification society’s established maritime simulator standards. According to Ship & Bunker, Kongsberg Maritime stated the approval enables the simulator to be used for advanced crew training worldwide.
Simulator approvals of this kind are significant in the shipping industry, as they validate training tools used to prepare officers and engineers for the systems they will encounter aboard operational vessels — particularly those featuring complex or emerging propulsion technologies.
Industry Context
The Aurora Class vessels represent a broader industry push toward alternative fuels and future-ready ship designs. By creating a certified simulator that mirrors the engine room environment of these carriers, Kongsberg Maritime is helping to ensure that the crews operating them can be trained in conditions that closely reflect real-world scenarios before stepping aboard.
The DNV-approved simulator adds to the growing suite of training infrastructure being developed in parallel with next-generation vessel construction programmes across the maritime sector.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
