Duke of Edinburgh to visit new ship handling centre
The Duke of Edinburgh will visit Warsash Maritime Academy’s new manned model ship handling centre – one of only five in the world - at Timsbury Lake on 4 October.
Warsash Maritime Academy - part of Southampton Solent University - officially opened the £2.7 million centre on 21 June at a special ceremony presided over by the University’s Chancellor, Admiral The Right Honourable Lord West of Spithead.
Warsash Maritime Academy’s original ship handling centre was moved from its 10-acre Marchwood site to Timsbury, near Romsey, after it was identified as an ideal site for the Academy’s first class training for the international shipping industry.
Over the last year, work has been carried out on the lake to allow for ship models to navigate berths, basins and channels to recreate a variety of port scenarios, canal transits and berthing operations for officers and pilots to practice ship handling skills. Complex maritime manoeuvres can be practised in complete safety, making it a key training tool for the shipping industry.
During the visit, the Duke will have the opportunity to tour the lake and watch delegates in the manned models undertake a range of ship handling scenarios. The visit will also include a tour of the new classroom and workshop facilities at the centre.
Southampton Solent University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Van Gore comments: “The University is honoured and delighted that the Duke of Edinburgh is visiting our new world-class ship handling facility for the global maritime industry.”
Bringing 21st century maritime training to Timsbury Lake marks the beginning of a new chapter in Timsbury’s history. The 9th century lake has, over the years, been a source of fish for the monks of Winchester, of water to drive a medieval water mill and the haunt of carp anglers.
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