Wärtsilä has launched NTPRO 7, a next‑generation bridge and ship‑handling simulator designed to support maritime training.

According to a press release, it has been developed to deliver realistic, immersive training environments that support advanced ship‑handling, navigation and decision‑making training in various operational scenarios.

Following piloting and validation over the last two years, including a recent statement of compliance from DNV, the simulator is expected to become commercially available from May 2026.

“The requirements placed on maritime training are evolving rapidly as vessel technologies, digital navigation standards and regulatory expectations continue to advance,” said Johan Ekvall, director, simulation and training, Wärtsilä Marine.

“NTPRO 7 is designed to help training institutions and academies prepare crews for these changes by providing a future‑ready simulation environment that mirrors modern bridge operations and supports long‑term competence development.”

The simulator features a combination of RealSea visualization powered by Unreal Engine 5, an advanced sound system and a new generation of conning and overhead displays.

These will be delivered alongside S‑100 ready digital navigation training, incorporating Wärtsilä Navi-Sailor – an electronic chart navigation system (ECDIS) designed for maritime operations.

According to Wärtsilä, features such as Virtual Watchkeeper with AI‑powered voice command recognition and a suite of vessel models and functions to support Wind Assisted Propulsion (WAPS) training will enhance realism and usability.

The tool also offers scalable configurations ranging from full‑mission bridge simulators to classroom‑based setups.