Rotterdam, 30–05-2023 (updated on: 19-05-2026)
In November 2022, impressed by the realism of VSTEP’s NAUTIS simulator, KOTUG International rented a tug simulator from VSTEP for the first time to train tug captains and trainers. The simulator’s ability to recreate difficult situations, offer realistic training and shorten training time has helped KOTUG improve the safety of their training programme and minimize environmental impact by reducing the need for real tug operations.
KOTUG and VSTEP’s Collaboration
KOTUG International, a leading maritime service company with over 100 years of experience and a fleet of over 70 vessels across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas, has selected VSTEP as their tug simulator provider for professional training programmes. KOTUG uses the multi-functional NAUTIS ship handling simulator at VSTEP’s office in Rotterdam to train their own employees as well as personnel from other organisations.
The NAUTIS tug simulator provides a platform for trainees to navigate challenging situations that are difficult to replicate in real life, leading to more intensive training and shorter training times. The experiential learning approach allows students to make mistakes in a controlled environment, which accelerates the development of practical insight and operational confidence.
In addition, the simulator is used in a trainer-the-trainer programme, where experienced trainers are coached using VSTEP’s solution to provide structured, constructive feedback to trainees. This approach enables maritime training simulator technology to strengthen not just individual competence but the entire training delivery chain.
“Our collaboration with KOTUG is truly an honor and a testament to the value that maritime simulation brings to the industry. KOTUG’s commitment to training their tug captains with our NAUTIS tug simulator speaks to their dedication to safety and efficiency in their operations. We are proud to work with such a forward-thinking and safety-focused customer.”
– Tije Vos, CCO at VSTEP.
VSTEP Further Contributes to KOTUG’s Sustainability Efforts
KOTUG International is known for its commitment to sustainable operations. Tug boat training on a real vessel produces exhaust emissions, consumes fuel and requires operational downtime. Simulator-based training eliminates those factors entirely. NAUTIS simulators produce no exhaust emissions and can be used repeatedly without the environmental costs associated with live vessel exercises.
Simulators allow KOTUG International to train their students on how to sail tugs in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner and only practice in a real vessel eco-friendly maneuvers that proven to work on a simulator. With simulators, captains can train in difficult scenarios until they are confident in their skills, reducing the time it takes to properly train someone in the field. While simulators cannot replace real-life experience, they are an essential part of a comprehensive training program that promotes sustainable practices in the maritime industry. VSTEP is excited to play a role in guarding the environment from pollution and reducing the impact by producing quality simulation technology, NAUTIS.
Why Operators Choose the NAUTIS Tug Simulator?
The NAUTIS tug simulator by VSTEP Simulation is known for its exceptional quality and realism. KOTUG International has noted that the experience of being in the simulator is akin to being in a real tug simulator, enabling highly realistic training. The simulator has proven to be an effective tool in reducing training time while increasing its intensity. Students gain a thorough understanding of the tug boat’s workings and become more confident in their abilities to operate it in real-life situations. This prepares them to transition from the simulator to a real vessel smoothly.
“We are excited to be partnering with VSTEP to provide our tug captains with the best possible training experience. The quality of the NAUTIS tug simulator is superior for tug training, not only in the software itself, but also in the team behind it. The simulator allows our captains to be trained in a more realistic and immersive environment, allowing them to handle difficult situations smoothly. We are confident that this partnership will help us to continue providing the highest level of safety and quality in our tug operations.”
– Daan Merkelbach, Manager Training and Consultancy at KOTUG International.
NAUTIS Tug Simulator: Key capabilities at a glance
| Capability | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Realistic tug hydrodynamics | Accurate vessel behaviour across multiple tug propulsion types, including conventional configurations |
| Scenario-based training | Instructors can design port approach, escort, berthing and emergency response scenarios |
| Trainer-the-trainer support | Trainers can be coached on feedback delivery and session structure using the simulator |
| Debrief and replay | Full session replay allows trainees and instructors to review decisions in detail after each exercise |
| Sustainability | No exhaust emissions, no fuel consumption — training without operational or environmental cost |
| Multi-organisation use | Simulator can be used to train personnel from multiple companies, not just the operator’s own crew |
Interested in tug simulation training for your fleet or training centre? Explore the NAUTIS Tug Simulator or contact the VSTEP team to discuss your training objectives.
About VSTEP
VSTEP creates innovative simulation software for professional organizations worldwide. We are a team of 60 explorers who are always up for challenges. We are not constrained by standards and are flexible in our approach to fulfilling the mission: enable learning by simulation.
We are all dedicated to the same vision: ensure that at least one-third of the maritime industry has obtained their skills through our simulation technology. Hence, we strive to make a great contribution to creating a more sustainable world. We invest in continuous R&D of our software and work passionately as a team to get there.
About Kotug International
KOTUG International is a leading maritime service provider with over 100 years of experience in the industry. With a focus on safety, efficiency and sustainability, KOTUG provides a range of services such as harbor towage, offshore support, salvage, and emergency response. They operate a fleet of over 70 vessels and have a presence in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. KOTUG is committed to providing its employees with the best training possible to ensure that they are fully prepared to handle any situation.
What is a tug simulator and how is it used in professional training?
A tug simulator replicates the handling characteristics of harbour and ocean tug vessels in a realistic virtual environment. It is used by fleet operators, maritime academies and training centres to train captains and crew on port manoeuvres, escort operations, berthing and emergency scenarios — without the cost, risk or environmental impact of live vessel exercises.
How does NAUTIS support tug captain training?
The NAUTIS tug simulator provides scenario-based training covering the full range of tug operations. Trainees practise in realistic environments that replicate actual port conditions and vessel behaviour. KOTUG International uses NAUTIS at VSTEP’s Rotterdam facility to train both their own tug captains and personnel from other organisations, including through a trainer-the-trainer programme.
How does simulator training contribute to sustainable maritime operations?
Simulator training eliminates the fuel consumption and exhaust emissions associated with live vessel training exercises. Operators can train crews to the required competence level in the simulator before deploying them on real vessels, reducing the number of live training hours needed and the environmental impact of the overall training programme.
What types of tug propulsion systems does NAUTIS simulate?
NAUTIS supports training across multiple tug propulsion configurations including conventional CPP, azimuth stern drive (ASD) and Voith-Schneider propulsion. This allows training centres and fleet operators to train crews on the specific vessel types they will encounter in real operations.
Updated on 09-08-2026.
Renting solved capacity, training design delivered the value
A rental answers an availability question. What made the sessions useful was how they were run. The STCW Code sets standards governing the use of simulators that put weight on the parts around the exercise: briefing trainees on the objectives, monitoring the exercise while it runs, and debriefing afterwards (IMO).
KOTUG trained its own trainers alongside its captains. That is the detail worth copying, because it keeps the briefing and debriefing capability inside the company once the rented NAUTIS tug simulator goes back. Without it, a rental period tends to produce a set of sessions rather than a training programme.
| Case summary | |
|---|---|
| Customer | KOTUG International |
| Setup | Rented NAUTIS tug simulator |
| Period | From November 2022 |
| Trained | Tug captains and in-house trainers |
| Reported benefits | Safe rehearsal of difficult situations, transfer to real operations, shorter training time |
Frequently asked questions
Why did KOTUG choose to rent a NAUTIS tug simulator?
Impressed by the realism of the NAUTIS platform, KOTUG International rented a tug simulator from VSTEP in November 2022 to train tug captains and trainers. Renting gave an experienced operator a flexible way to expand training capacity for a defined period without committing to a permanent installation. The rental ran alongside the training the operator already had in place.
What benefits did KOTUG see from simulator training?
Three stand out: the ability to recreate difficult situations safely, realistic training that transfers to real operations, and shorter training time. Reducing the number of training runs on real tugs also lowered the fuel use and environmental impact of the programme, which matters at fleet scale. Those were the benefits KOTUG itself highlighted.
Can other towage operators use the same approach?
Yes. Rental and refurbishment both make professional tug simulation accessible without a full new installation, as Boluda Towage showed by revitalizing its own NAUTIS simulator. Whether renting, buying or upgrading, the scenarios and vessel models are tailored to the operator’s own tugs and ports. The right route depends on how continuous the training demand is.
What does renting a tug simulator involve compared with buying one?
A rental provides scenario-ready capacity for a defined period without a capital purchase or a permanent installation, which suits a peak in training demand or an evaluation before investing. Ownership makes more sense when simulator time is continuous. Both routes use the same vessel models and scenarios. The difference is commercial rather than technical.
Tug training with NAUTIS
Explore the NAUTIS towage simulator and the ship handling simulator, read how Boluda Towage revived its tug simulator, or book a demo.
