Southampton Solent University has unveiled a new maritime training facility. The Warsash Maritime Academy (WMA) will provide specialist education, training, research and consultancy to students involved in the international shipping and off-shore oil industries. 

It is part of a major investment to ensure the continued development of Southampton Solent University’s highly specialised maritime training facilities. Andrew Hair, director of Warsash Maritime Academy said: “We decided to move the university’s original world-renowned manned model ship handling centre, which is one of only five in the world, to Timsbury as it is an ideal site for training. 

“This new facility will allow officers and pilots to practice complex maritime manoeuvres in complete safety, making it an invaluable tool for the shipping industry. “The WBA also marks the beginning of an important chapter in the lake’s history which has over the years been a source of fish for the monks of Winchester, of water to drive a medieval water mill and a popular spot for carp anglers.”

National building services provider EIC completed the mechanical and electrical fit out for the facility. Darren Parrish, regional director at EIC said: “We are delighted to have been part of this exciting project which has been a real challenge for our team as some of the build was actually in Tinsbury Lake as well as adjacent to it, which obviously required a specialist team."