Simwave
Simwave B.V. is a Dutch maritime simulation training and applied research company operating a 5,000 m² Rotterdam facility with 59+ connected simulators and a Career Management Platform, serving enterprise shipping, offshore, cruise, and ship management customers across bridge, cargo, DP, IGF, and Polar Code training.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersBarendrecht, Netherlands
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Simwave does
Simwave B.V. is a Dutch maritime simulation training and applied research company headquartered in Barendrecht near Rotterdam. The company operates the Centre of Excellence, a roughly 5,000 m² facility containing more than 59 connected maritime simulators covering bridge, engine, cargo (including LNG/low-flashpoint fuels), Dynamic Positioning, and inland navigation, supplemented by a dedicated LNG bunkering training tank. Its training programs span bridge resource management, ship handling, cargo operations, DP and anchor handling, IGF and Polar Code training, and Integrated Navigation Systems training on Kongsberg and Wartsila platforms.
The commercial offering is built around three integrated layers: simulator-based training delivered at the Rotterdam facility and via global accredited partners; applied research services including mathematical vessel modelling, visual database development, VR, feasibility studies, and incident investigations; and the Career Management Platform, which combines a Learning Management System, Competency Management System, training matrix, appraisals, personal development plans, APIs, and offline synchronization into a single workflow for crew monitoring and certification. Pricing is quote-based across professional services, multi-year enterprise contracts, and annual subscriptions, with delivery primarily through enterprise field sales complemented by channel partners (PHILCAMSAT JV in Manila, Fort Lauderdale, and a worldwide accredited partner network).
Simwave serves enterprise customers across four primary segments — shipping companies, offshore operators (oil & gas, offshore wind, construction), cruise lines, and third-party ship management firms — plus secondary exposure to alternative-fuel operators and port authorities. Named customers include Royal Caribbean Group, Shell, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Viking, Hurtigruten, Boskalis, Van Oord, Jan de Nul, McDermott, Vroon, Stena Line, Acta Marine, and Cruise Management International. The company is privately held and founder-led by CEO Marcel Kind, with no disclosed external funding rounds, and is expanding through a dedicated Simwave Offshore business unit, an engineering/R&D office in Vietnam, and a growing stack of regulatory accreditations from the Nautical Institute, UK Chamber of Shipping, Bahamas Maritime Authority, Malta Flag, DNV, ISO, and RINA.
Simwave firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Simwave
- Legal name
- Simwave B.V.
- Website
- https://simwave.nl
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Simwave B.V. is a Dutch maritime simulation training and applied research company operating a 5,000 m² Rotterdam facility with 59+ connected simulators and a Career Management Platform, serving enterprise shipping, offshore, cruise, and ship management customers across bridge, cargo, DP, IGF, and Polar Code training.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Simwave industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Maritime Training Services
- NAICS
- Navigational Services to Shipping (488330), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)
- SIC
- Water Transportation (4400), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Pilotage Risk Management & Simulation Services (BRM, Simulator Training, Incident Analysis) (TLAHAGAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Maritime Safety Management Systems & Training (ISM/ISO 45001, Drills, Competency) (TLAHANAF), Navigation, Seamanship & Offshore Operations (EDAOANAE)
Keywords
Where Simwave is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Barendrecht
- HQ country
- Netherlands
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Simwave business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Simulator Training Services: On-site simulator-based training at the Rotterdam facility, including bridge, engine, cargo operations, and specialized training like Dynamic Positioning and ship handling
- Online Learning Platform (LMS/CMS): Subscription-based access to online courses and career management system for continuous learning and competency tracking
- Customized/Tailored Training Programs: Bespoke training solutions developed for specific client needs including vessel-specific simulations and company procedures
- Applied Research Services: Mathematical modeling, feasibility studies, incident investigations, and research projects for maritime operators
- Consultancy Services: Strategic consultancy for training optimization, risk assessment studies, and operational procedure evaluation using simulation technology
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Standard open enrollment courses available to multiple companies |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Customized training programs for specific company needs |
| Subscription | Annual | Career Management Platform subscription |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Simwave product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Simwave operates a maritime simulation training and research centre with 59+ connected bridge, engine, and cargo simulators in Rotterdam, delivering accredited simulator-based training, competency assessments, and customized vessel-specific simulations for shipping companies, offshore operators, cruise lines, and ship management firms. The company provides a Career Management Platform that integrates e-learning, competency assessments, appraisals, and personal development plans, and offers applied research services including mathematical modelling, feasibility studies, and incident investigations.
Product overview
Simwave is a maritime simulation training and research company offering a comprehensive suite of interconnected products and services. The core offering centers on the Centre of Excellence with over 59 connected simulators for bridge, engine, and cargo operations. The Career Management Platform serves as the central hub, integrating a Learning Management System, Competency Management System, Training Matrix, Appraisal System, Career Progression Path, and APIs. This platform supports both online and onsite training delivery. Applied Research services include Mathematical Modelling, Visual Database, Feasibility Studies, Virtual Reality Solutions, and Incident Investigations. The company delivers specialized training programs spanning bridge operations, cargo handling (including LNG and alternative fuels), Dynamic Positioning, Anchor Handling, and Polar Code compliance. A 'Build Your Own' feature enables customized simulator scenarios. The portfolio also includes consultancy services for training optimization and safety assessments. All components work together to provide end-to-end career management from e-learning through competency assessments to performance appraisals.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Simwave Offshore: Dedicated business unit for offshore industry training and services
- Simwave Academy
- Centre of Excellence
Products and services
- Centre of Excellence State-of-the-art maritime simulation training facility with 60 simulators in Rotterdam providing simulator-based training, assessments, and team trainings for bridge, engine, cargo, and offshore operations.
- Career Management Platform Full-cycle workflow platform combining e-learning courses, competency assessments, appraisals, and personal development plans, including a Learning Management System and Competency Management System for crew monitoring and career development.
- Simwave Academy Online Courses Extensive library of online maritime training courses covering fatigue risk management, vessel resource management, COLREGS, and specialized topics, accessible globally through the LMS platform.
- Bridge Training Simulator-based bridge training including BRM, ship handling, passage planning, and navigation procedures for maritime crew at all levels.
- Ship Handling Training Customized simulator training using models of client vessels for realistic operational scenario practice in ship handling, including for specific vessel classes such as RollDock's 4 vessel classes.
- Cargo Training Liquefied cargo handling training including LNG, methanol, and other low-flashpoint fuels operations with hands-on LNG bunkering practicals at the dedicated LNG tank facility.
- Engine Training Technical engine room simulation training and equipment operation courses for marine engineers using dedicated engine simulators.
- Inland Training Inland navigation simulator training with dual 240-degree bridges for groups up to 4 persons, developed in collaboration with Shipping Technology for the inland waterways sector.
- Dynamic Positioning (DP) Training Dynamic Positioning operator training and assessment including Nautical Institute accredited CPD programs for renewal of DP Operators and DP Vessel Maintainers certificates, with Kongsberg K-Pos DP-2 software integration for offshore vessel operations.
- Anchor Handling Training Specialized offshore training for anchor handling operations including buoy recovery, chaser back operations, and towing procedures, delivered through the Simwave Offshore Excellence Center.
- IGF Code Training with Live Bunkering International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) training with live LNG bunkering practicals, recognized by Bahamas Maritime Authority as an approved alternative to the traditional 30-day sea-time requirement.
- Polar Code Training Ice navigation and polar expedition operations training meeting IMO Polar Code requirements, combining 360-degree bridge simulation with EYOS Expeditions' expedition expertise for realistic Antarctica and Arctic navigation scenarios.
- Integrated Navigation Systems (INS) Training Training for RADAR, ECDIS, conning display, track and speed control systems using Wartsila Nacos Platinum and Kongsberg Integrated Navigation Systems for bridge officers.
- Competency Assessments Competency assessments for bridge, engine room, and cargo operations, both simulator-based and online knowledge assessments, using AI and classical statistics to identify crew performance patterns and training needs.
- Applied Research and Mathematical Modelling Research services including custom mathematical modelling of vessels and systems, visual database development, feasibility studies, and incident investigations for maritime operators, including hydrodynamic and power management systems models.
- Maritime Consultancy Services Strategic consultancy for vessel operators including training optimization, program development, and safety risk assessment studies using simulation technology and data analysis.
- Worldwide Training Network Global training delivery service with accredited partners across all continents, providing certification and assessments overseen by the Netherlands Centre of Excellence, including joint venture with PHILCAMSAT in Manila and partnerships in Fort Lauderdale.
- Build Your Own (Custom Training) Custom training development service allowing clients to create bespoke simulator scenarios and training programs tailored to their specific vessel types, operational procedures, and company requirements.
Quantifiable outcome
- First European maritime training centre awarded UK Chamber of Shipping centre recognition
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Simwave
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Simwave technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
AI capability3 records
Feature6 records
Simwave partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered secondary and core.
- Shipping TechnologysecondaryCollaboration to digitize and strengthen Inland Shipping industry by combining technology and training expertise for unique solutions targeting the inland waterways sector.
- NAVTORcoreStrategic partnership to enhance e-navigation training by integrating NAVTOR's passage planning tools and ENC services into Simwave's simulation programs. Enables bridge officers to develop skills in voyage planning, route optimization, and digital navigation using state-of-the-art tools.
- NAPAcorePartnership to improve access to stability training using NAPA's safety software and ship-specific database. Simwave instructors certified to deliver NAPA Stability and Loading Computer training, with eLearning integration planned for Simwave's Career Management platform.
- OneOceancoreEducational partnership allowing OneOcean's customer base to benefit from Simwave's training courses including BRM, COLREG, and technical training. Cooperation on new course development utilizing OneOcean's product content on environmental risk and compliance.
- Cruise Management International (CMI)corePartnership to establish CMI Crew Training Academy using Simwave's Maritime Centres of Excellence. Bespoke hybrid training program for all levels of CMI's cruise fleet crew.
- PHILCAMSAT (Philippine Centre for Advanced Maritime Simulation and Training)coreJoint venture creating a new era of continuous development in maritime training. Combines Simwave's European standards with PHILCAMSAT's Asian presence, providing global training solutions through technology and curriculum sharing.
- EYOS ExpeditionscoreJoint development of Polar Expedition Operations course meeting IMO Polar Code requirements. Combines Simwave's 360-degree bridge simulation with EYOS's expedition expertise to create realistic Antarctica and Arctic navigation scenarios.
- Vikand SolutionssecondaryPartnership to establish world's first Maritime School of Medicine & Public Health. Simwave developed customized LMS for Infection Control Officer training course certified by RINA.
- RelyOncoreCollaboration on IGF training program including live bunkering segment. Combined high-fidelity simulation with real-world LNG bunkering experience to achieve recognition as alternative to onboard sea-time requirements.
- Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF)secondaryMembership supporting Simwave's commitment to sustainable maritime operations. Aligns with mission to elevate safety and environmental responsibility while preparing crews for alternative fuel operations.
- McDermottcoreMathematical modelling partnership for Amazon, McDermott's DP2 construction vessel with ultra-deepwater J-Lay system. Includes bespoke DP training and applied research projects.
- IMCA (International Marine Contractors Association)secondaryCinthya Lopes, Director of Simwave Offshore, re-elected as Chairman of IMCA Europe and Africa Committee supporting offshore industry development in the region.
- Sebastian ASsecondaryCollaboration hosting 2nd Dynamic Positioning Forum at Simwave facility, bringing together DP professionals for knowledge sharing and technical discussion.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Simwave competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Kongsberg Maritime (Kongsberg Digital): Major maritime technology vendor supplying DP, INS, and integrated bridge systems; also offers K-Sim simulation products — a broader incumbent that can bundle training hardware/software with its installed base.
Regional players
- MMC Marine: Korea-based maritime simulation and training centre serving Asian shipping and offshore clients — comparable to Simwave's Rotterdam facility but operating primarily in the Asia-Pacific training market.
Direct peers
- RelyOn Nutec: Global safety and maritime training provider with a portfolio of accredited maritime, offshore, and renewables courses — overlapping with Simwave on STCW-aligned training, LNG/IGF, and crew competency programmes.
- Virtual Marine: Canada-based maritime simulation and training company focused on oil spill response, ice navigation, and offshore scenarios — competes for DP, offshore, and specialized simulator training engagements.
- Ocean Technologies Group (Seagull/Marlins): Provider of maritime e-learning, crew management software, and competency tools including Marlins — competes with Simwave's LMS/CMS and online course library for ship management customers.
- Safebridge: Maritime e-learning and competency platform offering type-specific ECDIS and navigation courses to seafarers — overlapping with Simwave Academy's online training and certification catalogue.
- Maersk Training: Maritime and offshore training arm serving seafarers and energy crews with simulator-based courses worldwide — competes with Simwave for enterprise shipping and offshore training contracts.
- FORCE Technology: Denmark-based maritime technology and training group operating simulation centres for offshore, ship handling, and engine room training — directly competing with Simwave in Europe for maritime simulation customers and crew certification programmes.
Others
- Wärtsilä Voyage (incl. Transas): Global marine systems supplier providing navigation, simulation (via Transas), and integrated bridge solutions — overlaps with Simwave's Kongsberg/Wärtsilä INS training programmes and can compete on bundled offerings.
Emerging players
- Tecnitas (Bureau Veritas): Bureau Veritas' maritime training and consultancy arm offering competency, ISM, and alternative-fuel courses — partially overlapping with Simwave's consultancy and IGF training portfolio.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Simwave social profiles
Digital presenceSimwave compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
Simwave financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Simwave leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Simwave subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Simwave funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Simwave M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Simwave
What does Simwave do?
Simwave operates a maritime simulation training and research centre with 59+ connected bridge, engine, and cargo simulators in Rotterdam, delivering accredited simulator-based training, competency assessments, and customized vessel-specific simulations for shipping companies, offshore operators, cruise lines, and ship management firms. The company provides a Career Management Platform that integrates e-learning, competency assessments, appraisals, and personal development plans, and offers applied research services including mathematical modelling, feasibility studies, and incident investigations.
Is Simwave a public or private company?
Simwave is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Simwave founded?
Simwave was founded in -1. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Simwave based?
Simwave is headquartered in Barendrecht, Netherlands, in the Europe region.
How does Simwave make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Simulator Training Services are the primary driver. The others are online Learning Platform (LMS/CMS), customized/Tailored Training Programs, applied Research Services and consultancy Services.
Who are Simwave's main competitors?
Kongsberg Maritime (Kongsberg Digital) is listed as a broad incumbent. MMC Marine is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are RelyOn Nutec, Virtual Marine, Ocean Technologies Group (Seagull/Marlins), Safebridge, Maersk Training and FORCE Technology. Wärtsilä Voyage (incl. Transas) is listed as an others. Tecnitas (Bureau Veritas) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Simwave have an API?
No public API is recorded for Simwave.
What industry is Simwave in?
Simwave's product category is Maritime Training Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAHAGAJ, Pilotage Risk Management & Simulation Services (BRM, Simulator Training, Incident Analysis), with a secondary code of TLAHANAF, Maritime Safety Management Systems & Training (ISM/ISO 45001, Drills, Competency). Its NAICS code is 488330 and its SIC code is 4400.