Technology group Wärtsilä announces the launch of NTPRO 7, a next‑generation bridge and ship‑handling simulator designed to support future‑ready maritime training. The new platform responds to the maritime industry’s rapid shift to digital navigation, increasing digitalisation of bridge systems, and growing demands on training institutions to prepare crews for modern, complex vessel operations.
NTPRO 7 is the most advanced version of Wärtsilä’s long‑established navigational simulation platform. It has been developed to deliver highly realistic, immersive training environments that support advanced ship‑handling, navigation and decision‑making training across a wide range of operational scenarios. The new simulator recently received a Statement of Compliance from DNV, providing independent verification of its compliance and suitability for navigation training.
“The requirements placed on maritime training are evolving rapidly as vessel technologies, digital navigation standards and regulatory expectations continue to advance,” says Johan Ekvall, Director, Simulation & 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.”
A key advancement within NTPRO 7 is the introduction of RealSea visualisation powered by Unreal Engine 5, combined with an advanced sound system to deliver a high‑fidelity, physically accurate training environment. The platform also features a new generation of conning and overhead displays that mirror real shipboard systems. These will be delivered alongside S‑100 ready digital navigation training, which incorporates Wärtsilä Navi-Sailor – an advanced electronic chart navigation system (ECDIS) designed for maritime operations.
Advanced operational training tools further enhance realism and usability, including Virtual Watchkeeper with AI‑powered voice command recognition, and a suite of vessel models and functions to support Wind Assisted Propulsion (WAPS) training. Together, these capabilities support realistic decision‑making practice and instructor‑led training across a wide range of operational scenarios.
Designed with flexibility in mind, NTPRO 7 offers scalable configurations ranging from full‑mission bridge simulators to classroom‑based setups. This enables maritime training institutions to deliver consistent, high‑quality training for complex scenarios without physical risk, while supporting efficient instruction and familiarity with emerging vessel technologies.
Following extensive piloting and validation over the last two years, Wärtsilä NTPRO 7 will be commercially available from May 2026.
Robban Assafina is now on WhatsApp channel. Click Here
