New dredging simulators strengthen education

On Thursday, September 4, 2025, 

five advanced dredging simulators were officially inaugurated at the Shipping and Transport College (STC) in Rotterdam.

Thanks to an investment from the O&O Fund Waterbouw and the commitment of the maritime education institutes, we are taking a major step forward for vocational training and the future of the dredging industry.

With these simulators, we are bringing real-life practice into the classroom: students can simulate realistic dredging situations in a safe, sustainable, and instructive environment. This way, we optimally prepare the next generation of dredging professionals for the challenges of tomorrow.

Key highlights:

• 3 fixed simulators and 1 mobile simulator for STC in Rotterdam
• 1 fixed simulator for Nova College (IJmuiden/Beverwijk)
• The mobile simulator is available to all maritime education institutes in the Netherlands
• Developed by Dutch Dredging Simulators (DDS): Controllab, DE Klop B.V., and MSA-Service

This milestone has been made possible through close collaboration between education, industry, and sector organizations. Together we invest in education, innovation, and partnership – building a strong, agile, and future-proof dredging sector.

During the inauguration, Sven Tump (STC) and André Kik (on behalf of CEDA) shared their vision of the future: well-trained professionals are the key to meeting the challenges and seizing the opportunities ahead.

As Dutch Dredging Simulators we are proud to present this smart collaboration for smart education – and for a sustainable future in dredging.

Read the full article from the Waterbouw here.