The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) and Rotterdam-based KOTUG Training & Consultancy (KTC) have renewed their strategic partnership to broaden access to world-class maritime training opportunities for U.S. mariners.

Through its Center for Maritime Education—with locations in Paducah, Kentucky, and Houston, Texas—SCI is a national leader in simulation-based maritime training. Under the renewed agreement, SCI will incorporate KOTUG’s globally recognized trainers and consultants to enhance its harbor tug training programs further and integrated tug master–ship pilot courses.

KOTUG, a global leader in harbor, river, and terminal towage training, will, in turn, benefit from access to SCI’s advanced vessel and tug simulators. Together, the two organizations will deliver complementary training solutions for ports, terminals, and the inland tug and barge sector, ensuring that mariners receive cutting-edge instruction and assessment tools.

“Renewing our partnership with KOTUG underscores our shared commitment to maritime safety and professional excellence,” said the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt, President and Executive Director of The Seamen’s Church Institute. “By combining SCI’s premier facilities with KOTUG’s international expertise, we can deliver the highest standard of training for American mariners.”

“We are proud to continue our collaboration with SCI,” said Ard-Jan Kooren, CEO of KOTUG. “This partnership blends international best practices with SCI’s deep understanding of the U.S. market, creating unmatched opportunities for maritime professionals.”

This renewed partnership strengthens both organizations’ ability to meet the evolving needs of the maritime industry and reaffirms their joint mission to advance safety, performance, and professionalism on the water.