Kofi Ampeah Woode
Ghana Navy, in collaboration with the Government of Denmark, has installed and commissioned the most sophisticated state-of-the-art Full Mission Bridge Simulator in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) Region, to aid in training seafarers, enhancing ship handling, navigation, and decision-making skills, and to improve safety and security of navigation.
The facility, situated at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Nutekpor, in the Volta Region of Ghana, was inaugurated on Monday 27 January 2025, and christened LILL-MAY DIDRIKSEN SIMULATION CENTRE, in honour of the first Danish female naval Officer.
The Guest of Honour for the occasion was the Legal Counsel to the President of Ghana and Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces – Miss Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew, Esq., and the Special Guest was Commodore (Cdre) Bo Overgaard – the Deputy Commander of the Royal Danish Navy.
The facility was constructed with Ghana providing the infrastructure to house the simulators and their associated equipment at a cost of Five Million Ghana Cedis (GHS 5,000,000), while Denmark provided funding for procuring the technology from Wartsila Voyage at One Million, Three Hundred and Seventy Thousand United States Dollars (USD 1,370,000).
The competence of the facility – which represents the best in maritime simulation technology – comprises of a 270-degree Full Mission Bridge Simulator, Three 120-degree Part-task Simulators, Two Instructor Stations, a Briefing Room 2/6, a Server Room, offices for Instructors, with each component equipped with latest advancements in maritime simulation.
Svendborg International Maritime Academy provided the necessary training support for Instructors to ensure the facility’s functionality and Aminad Construction Ltd constructed the edifice to the required standard.
Madam MA Brew – the Guest of Honour, asserted that the considerable reduction in incidents of maritime crimes in the GoG, reflects the positive impact of international collaboration and support, including the provision of training, equipment, and logistical assistance.
The decline in piracy has had profound effects on international shipping and global trade, reducing insurance costs, enhancing the safety of seafarers, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods through this critical region, she said, adding that such successes are a testament to what can be achieved when nations work together for a common goal, through international partnerships, and regional co-operations.
“In our digitized era, simulation training has emerged as an indispensable tool for developing the skills needed to navigate modern maritime challenges. Facilities like the Lill-May Didriksen Simulation Centre exemplify the future of practical training, offering advanced systems that replicate real-world scenarios in a controlled and safe environment”, she stated.
She expressed the government’s acknowledgement that maritime security is not just a matter of national defence, but an integral part of the development of the blue economy, and would prioritize the industry through training and policies that can boost the sector.
“We are aware of the ongoing procurement process for two Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Ghana Navy. Upon fully settling in to office, we will thoroughly assess the contract details and, once satisfied, will expedite their acquisition to augment the operational assets of the Navy”, the Legal Counsel to the President stated.
“Around the world, secured maritime spaces have led to thriving fisheries, increased maritime trade, and sustainable offshore energy projects. We are therefore determined to replicate this success in Ghana by creating opportunities for job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development”, she continued.
“We hope to massively train interested youths in the seagoing industry to work offshore and in the fisheries industry to bolster our economic growth. To this end, the operationalization of the Lill-May Simulation Centre as the most advanced maritime simulation Centre in the sub-region is timely and will drive the vision of the President”, she said.
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Ghana Navy (GN) – Vice Admiral (V/Adm) Issah Adam Yakubu, in a speech, said the facility will significantly enhance training programs, enabling naval personnel to master complex navigation and operational scenarios, in a safe and controlled environment.
Admiral Yakubu added that skills honed at NAVTRAC will translate into enhanced operational effectiveness, contributing to the safety of the seas, the protection of maritime resources, and the welfare of the people of the GoG.
Cdre Bo Overgaard, who represented the Danish Minister of Defence, said piracy and armed robbery, as well as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, continue to disrupt trade and put lives at risk, affecting not only the security of the GoG, but also stability of global trade routes, thus calling for a unified and determined response across all levels.
He stated Denmark’s commitment to work with all partners from Ghana to strengthen maritime security, maintain open trade routes, and protect fishery resources, through the framework of the Danish Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security Program (DGMSP).
Cdre B Overgaard referred to the Full Mission Bridge Simulator, as an advanced piece of technology that makes it possible to increase training of sailors, without taking ships out of operational use.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), NAVTRAC – Cdre Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, said in his welcome remarks that, in the line of work at NAVTRAC, precision, readiness, and professionalism are non-negotiable, for naval operations are inherently complex and demand unwavering competence, hence the simulation Centre will play an indispensable role in equipping personnel with the highest standards of practical skills, and confidence.
Previously, Denmark supported the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to construct a Ship-in-a-Box facility at NAVTRAC that is being used to train maritime forces in the sub-region, to effectively deal with the many maritime security threats; and is also assisting GN in building a world-class swimming pool, with diving capability at NAVTRAC.
Dignitaries present at the commissioning included the the Danish Ambassador to Ghana – Mr Tom Norring; his Defence Attaché – Lieutenant Colonel Lasse Sand; Member of Ghana’s Interim National Security Coordinating Team – Lieutenant General Peter Blay (Rtd); FOC, Western Naval Command – Cdre Emmanuel Kwafo; former CNSs of GN, Defence Attachés of foreign Missions, Officers, Master Coxswain of GN, Fleet Coxswains, Ratings, and Defence Civilian Staff.
Credit: Ghana Navy PR/Peace Journal
