From Simulation to Service

Advanced Simulation Training Supports Successful Introduction of First Naval Large Tug at Canadian Forces Base Halifax

Friday, August 14, 2026 By Jodi Cooke

A specialized, simulation-based training program from the Fisheries and Marine Institute's Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) is helping the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Halifax King's Harbour Master team safely transition to a new generation of harbour tug operations.

It is often work that happens in the background of Halifax Harbour. As commuters drive across the Macdonald Bridge, Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships and visiting vessels of all classes move in and out below, whether for homecomings, new deployments, undocking operations, fuel maneuvers, or vessel repositioning.

Behind each of these movements is a group of unsung professionals from CFB Halifax who ensure every operation runs safely, efficiently, and seamlessly.

New Era of Naval Operations

Nova Scotia’s CFB Halifax, is the home of Canada’s East Coast naval forces. It is also home to a strategic harbourside property, His Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard, which serves as the hub of Canadian Fleet Atlantic.

CFB Halifax’s King's Harbour Master (KHM) team is responsible for providing effective Auxiliary Fleet support to naval assets and operations.

It is a significant responsibility, particularly as Canada’s navy prepares to expand its submarine and surface fleets in Halifax alongside its newest Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships, trusted Halifax-Class frigates, and Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels.

To provide important harbour support to both current and future fleets while strengthening naval readiness, the RCN is currently replacing five civilian-crewed Glen-class large tugs and two Fire-class rescue boats with six new Naval Large Tugs (NLTs).

Next Generation Tugs

These tugs are significantly more powerful than the current tugs and have a wider range of capabilities to support a variety of maritime tasks. CFB Halifax received its first of three NLTs, Canadian Forces Auxiliary Vessel (CFAV) Canso, in January 2026.

As the KHM Halifax team prepared for Canso’s arrival, the need for specialized training became evident. The Marine Institute's (MI) Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) was a natural training ground to support that transition in Halifax.

"The new tugs have a much more powerful propulsion system, and they operate very differently," said Captain Chris Hearn, Director of the Marine Institute's CMS. "It's not simply learning a new vessel. It's adopting a different operating mentality."

Equipped with a powerful azimuth propulsion system, the new NLT offers exceptional maneuverability but requires a fundamentally different approach to vessel handling than the previous generation of tugs.

Training for Today

In late 2025, KHM Halifax issued a competitive call for proposals through Public Services and Procurement Canada to develop and deliver a specialized simulation training program. The CMS was selected for its internationally recognized expertise in advanced marine simulation, ability to meet KHM Halifax's technical and operational requirements, and experience delivering customized industry training.

"The program was always viewed as a two-part process," explained Hearn. "First, candidates developed their fundamental tug-handling skills through intensive simulation, peer mentoring, and instructor evaluation. Then Atlantic Towing took over, with experienced captains working alongside King's Harbour Master trainees during live operations.”

Simulation Builds Confidence

Using CMS's full-mission bridge simulators, participants worked through realistic harbour scenarios that replicated the challenges they would encounter while supporting naval operations.

For KHM Halifax, training with the CMS has greatly benefited the tug operators themselves while supporting the team’s careful and responsible stewardship of naval assets.

“Simply put, this training process has been about safely transitioning from the older Glen-class with Voith-Schneider propulsion to Naval Large Tugs with Azimuth Stern Drives,” explained Alex Grant, KHM Halifax’s National Superintendent of Auxiliary Vessels. “If incorrectly operated they have the power to snap lines, damage ships, and hazard the tugs and their crews. Simulated training at the Centre for Marine Simulation has allowed the KHM Halifax team to develop skills and learn from mistakes before using Canadian Forces Auxiliary Vessel Canso in operations.”

This ability to make mistakes in a controlled environment is at the core of CMS’ training program.

"We want you to make the mistakes here, where they become learning opportunities rather than operational incidents," Hearn said, when reflecting on all industry training experiences.

"When you're dealing with billions of dollars in naval assets dedicated to Canada's safety and security, no one can afford to see a vessel damaged or taken out of service. These operations may happen quietly behind the scenes, but they're absolutely essential."

From Simulation to Service

Just under 20 candidates from KHM Halifax completed the initial program, with additional specialized training expected as more vessels enter service.

The value of the simulation-based approach became evident almost immediately. Shortly after the final training sessions concluded, CMS received word that one of the newly trained crews had successfully completed its inaugural ship-assist operation using the new tug.

For the training team at CMS, the project's greatest success extends beyond the technology or the curriculum.

"We don't simply deliver a course,” said Hearn, “We work with our clients, understand exactly what they need, and by the end of the program, we consider them friends.”

The successful introduction of KHM Halifax’s newest tug highlights the value of advanced simulation in preparing mariners for complex vessel operations.

The Marine Institute continues to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world performance, ensuring crews are ready to operate safely and confidently from their very first assignment.