Hellenic University invests in first state-of-the-art simulator training facility for Greece

Greece’s leading academic institution, International Hellenic University, is investing more than one million euros in a new state-of-the-art simulator training facility to support the oil and gas industry.

The facility, which is the first of its kind across Greece, includes the latest simulator technology by advanced simulator developer, Drilling Systems, part of the 3t Energy Group. This technology provides an immersive virtual-reality-based learning experience to dramatically enhance understanding of oil and gas drilling and well control operations and produce ‘work-ready’ graduates.

As well as supporting the university’s post graduate MSc programme in Oil and Gas Technology (www.mscpet.ihu.gr) and Petroleum Institute, the new facility will be used to offer tailor made training packages and provide IWCF and IADC mandatory certification to oil and gas personnel, once the university becomes accredited.  

The funding for the new facility was secured from the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace’s grant scheme, which aims to improve the quality of facilities and teaching within universities of the region to help attract students and delegates from around the world.

Having offered oil and gas teaching programmes since 1976, Hellenic University has a strong reputation in the oil and gas sector and boasts extensive expertise. Its new simulator suite will complement existing teaching courses and will enable students to have practical experience of drilling and well control operations.

Associate Professor Nikolaos C. Kokkinos, director of MSc in Oil and Gas technology programme at International Hellenic University said: “We are fully committed to ensuring the oil and gas industry in Greece, and further afield, as a highly skilled, competent and safe workforce ready to progress projects as soon as they are needed. Our focus on environment issues also ensures all of our students are environmentally sensitive in everything they do.

“This significant investment in a brand-new simulator training facility will create a centre of excellence for drilling engineering and help to position Greece as a leader in the training and education of petroleum engineers across the world.”

Clive Battisby, chief operating officer at Drilling Systems, said: “We are delighted to be working closely with International Hellenic University on its new state-of-the-art simulator training facility. In high-risk sectors, like oil and gas, the consequences of human error or equipment malfunction can be catastrophic and simulators help prepare workers for the field like nothing else.

“Our simulators allow students to experience all the movement, sounds and operations of a real offshore rig so that they can practise everyday operations and specific emergency scenarios in a risk-free setting. This means that when they do start work in-the-field they are confident and comfortable with whatever task faces them.”

To find out more about Drilling Systems’ wide range of simulator and competency solutions please visit
www.drillingsystems.com or contact +44 (0) 1202 582255

Read the latest issue of the OGV Energy magazine HERE.