15/01/2026 – VSTEP has delivered a new Console Simulator and Instructor station to Bourbon Interoil Nigeria Limited, strengthening their offshore training capabilities and marking an important step in modernising crew competence development in Nigeria. The new system replaces an older generation simulator and provides a flexible, high-fidelity training environment aligned with Nigerian offshore operations.
Advancing offshore crew training in Nigeria
Bourbon Interoil Nigeria Limited (BINL) is strengthening its offshore training capabilities through the adoption of a new DNV certified NAUTIS Console Simulator and Instructor station. This new system from VSTEP replaces an older generation simulator and provides instructors and crews with a modern and flexible training environment that reflects the realities of Nigerian offshore operations.
BINL operates a Nigerian flagged and manned fleet that supports a wide range of offshore activities including crew transport, marine logistics, supply operations and subsea services. With a sustained commitment to safety, competence development and Nigerian content, the company aims to ensure that its crews receive structured and realistic training that prepares them for daily operational demands.
The NAUTIS solution plays an important role in this effort. The simulator is tailored to support BINL’s crew boat operations, including vessels equipped with HamiltonJet propulsion systems. These vessels rely on waterjet technology that demands precise control, quick decision making, and a strong understanding of vessel behaviour at different speeds and angles. Simulating this propulsion system gives crews an opportunity to practice manoeuvres that require fine control, especially during approaches to offshore installations, personnel transfers, or dynamic positioning around platforms.
Training aligned with Nigerian offshore operating conditions
The operational landscape along the Nigerian coastline and the Gulf of Guinea includes busy port approaches, complex traffic environments, offshore installations, dynamic sea states and shifting currents. These conditions require confidence in vessel handling, situational awareness and the ability to respond to changing operational demands.
The NAUTIS simulator allows instructors to design exercises that reflect these local conditions. One of the defining reasons for selecting VSTEP’s solution was the realistic interaction between vessels and offshore boat landings. The system captures the differences in behaviour when materials come into contact, such as rubber against metal or metal against metal, which directly influences how vessels approach, touch, and depart from offshore structures. This level of detail offers crews a practical understanding of how their vessel responds during close quarter operations and transfers.
This capability, combined with scenario-based training that mirrors day to day offshore work, gives BINL’s instructors the tools they need to develop the skills and confidence of their teams.
An important strength of this project is the ten-year subscription to the NAUTIS simulator, which ensures the software remains current and reliable throughout its full lifecycle. This subscription value plan provides continuous software improvements and updates, maintenance and support at no extra cost. It ensures that the system always reflects the latest capabilities and operates in an optimal state, allowing BINL to always perform at its best.
Supporting safety, local competence and long-term development
During the project discussions, Gerhard van der Spuy of Bourbon Interoil Nigeria shared the importance of equipping Nigerian crews with a modern simulation environment that reflects the propulsion systems, operating conditions and offshore structures they work with every day. He noted, “This new NAUTIS simulator gives our crews a training environment that reflects the realities of our offshore operations. It supports our commitment to safety and to developing the skills of Nigerian seafarers through structured and practical learning.”
The NAUTIS system supports BINL’s training center by providing a consistent platform for practice, assessment and professional development. It helps instructors prepare crews for both expected and unexpected situations, reinforcing the company’s focus on safe and reliable offshore operations.
This approach aligns with VSTEP’s goal of enabling learning through simulation in regions where high fidelity training systems can make an immediate and meaningful impact. As Alexios Limnios, Business Development Team Lead EMEA at VSTEP, explained, “We value our collaboration with Bourbon Interoil Nigeria and the work they are doing to strengthen maritime competence in the region. This simulator supports their long-term training goals and we are committed to supporting their continued development of skilled offshore crews.”
