Cork's National Maritime College marks 20 years in Ringaskiddy

The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) celebrated its 20th anniversary yesterday with a special reception at its Ringaskiddy campus.

The event, hosted by Munster Technological University (MTU) in partnership with the Irish naval service, was attended by Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Higher Education Minister Patrick O’Donovan, who both confirmed an investment of €9m to further fund the college’s Kongsberg simulator suite.

The NCMI is a purpose-built facility with advanced bridge and engine room simulators, including specialist facilities such as an environmental pool, fire training unit, technical workshops, and an operational engine room.

The college provides maritime education and training, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in nautical science, marine engineering, marine electrical engineering, supply chain management, and maritime operations.

Huge benefit

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Martin said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here — 20 years has gone by very fast. The NMCI has been of immense value to the maritime sector, and is of huge benefit to the naval service.

“This college will play an essential role in enhancing Defence Force capabilities into the future, [and] also parallel with that, developing new skills to deal with the offshore renewable energy revolution, which is why we’ve announced the funding for the new modern simulator.”

The funding comes under a joint initiative by the Department of Defence and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Mr Martin said the Port of Cork now has access to €99m, announced in the budget, which will help to develop its infrastructure for the offshore renewable and wind energy projects, and will become a base for that.

“Cork is now in the driving seat in respect of the offshore renewable space,” he said.

Foundations

MTU president Professor Maggie Cusack said: “This is a really important day for MTU as the NMCI is a key part of our university, as one of our six campuses.

“It’s really great to look back and think about the foundations of how we’ve come to be here, but it’s also great to look forward,” said Prof Cusack. “We have a simulator here at the NMCI, and the funding is for a major upgrade, so that we can be absolutely state-of-the-art.

“With the further investment we are really well placed... in a leadership position for training and for all of the research that can come about from it.”

At the event organisations such as the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI, and the Irish naval service welcomed guests by showcasing their vessels, which were parked outside of the NMCI’s front entrance.