New training centre NK2 takes inland navigation to higher level
Antwerp - 3 October 2025 - The brand-new NK2 training centre in the port of Antwerp was officially opened today. The centre aims to become the reference point for training in inland navigation, offering a unique mix of high-tech simulators, practical areas and flexible learning solutions. A high-tech hub for the sector The centre combines no fewer than eight advanced simulators: two Full Mission bridges (360° and 240°), four radar simulators, a remote control simulator and, as icing on the cake, an outdoor mooring simulator - an absolute first in Flanders. This allows both beginners and experienced professionals to practice navigation, radar sailing and crucial manoeuvres such as docking and mooring without risk. "This is not just a building or an investment. This is an important milestone in the future of our mobility, our economy and our climate ambitions," Flemish Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder said at the opening. Response to pressing challenges Inland navigation plays a key role in making transport more sustainable, but at the same time faces major challenges: an ageing workforce, too little influx of young people and longer qualification routes due to European regulations. NK2 aims to provide a powerful answer to this by making training courses faster, safer and more cost-efficient. According to Jacques Kerkhof, chairman of the Rhine and Inland Navigation Fund (FRB), the centre's role is essential: "Inland navigation is the crucial link to greening and the only real solution to our congestion problems." Flexible and accessible NK2 makes its infrastructure and its own instructors available to schools, companies, sector organisations and training centres. The centre works with a flexible booking system: training courses can be scheduled by half-day, in the evening or at weekends. This makes the training courses practical in a variety of schedules. Collaboration is also widely embedded. NK2 is integrated into Schipperswelzijn and works closely with Antwerp Maritime Academy, BRABO, VDAB and CVO, among others. In time, the centre will also function as an official examination centre. Investment in the future With an investment of over 2 million euros, financed by European and Flemish support supplemented by FRB's own resources, NK2 is positioning itself as the training centre where technology, safety and sustainability come together. "With this project, we want to put inland navigation back on the map," said Marc Cortebeeck, FRB director. NK2 thus aims not only to strengthen the inflow of young people, jobseekers and lateral entrants, but also to support the advancement of current employees. In doing so, the centre actively contributes to the modal shift, digitalisation and green transition in the logistics sector.