Megaship handling – master manoeuvring of large vessels in confined waters Strengthen your ability to manoeuvre megaships safely and efficiently in ports, narrow channels and other restricted waterways. This advanced course combines hydrodynamic theory with intensive simulator-based training to help you translate technical knowledge into practical ship handling skills. Through realistic scenarios, you learn to manage the unique challenges associated with operating large vessels in confined waters under varying environmental conditions.
Who is the course relevant for
The course is designed for experienced maritime professionals involved in the navigation and manoeuvring of large vessels, including:
• Shipmasters
• Senior deck officers
• Marine pilots
• Personnel responsible for port approach and harbour manoeuvring
What you will gain from the course
The course strengthens your ability to handle megaships safely and confidently in challenging operational environments.
You gain a deeper understanding of the hydrodynamic forces affecting large vessels and learn how to apply this knowledge in real-life manoeuvring situations.
After the course, you will be able to:
• Develop effective manoeuvring strategies for megaships in confined waters
• Handle large vessels safely in ports and restricted waterways
• Assess and respond to changing environmental conditions
• Understand and manage squat effects during navigation
• Understand and manage bank effects in narrow channels
• Recognise and mitigate ship-to-ship interaction effects
• Apply advanced ship handling principles in complex manoeuvring scenarios
What your organisation gains
The course strengthens your organisation’s ability to operate large vessels safely and efficiently in challenging maritime environments.
You reduce operational risk through improved manoeuvring skills and a better understanding of vessel behaviour under demanding conditions.
At the same time, bridge teams and pilots become better equipped to manage port operations, restricted waterways and other high-risk manoeuvring situations, supporting safer and more efficient vessel movements.
Course content and format
The course combines theoretical instruction, simulator-based exercises and structured debriefings with a strong focus on practical application.
You work with:
• Hydrodynamic principles relevant to megaship handling
• Manoeuvring in ports and restricted waterways
• Navigation in narrow channels
• Ship-to-ship interaction
• Squat effects and associated operational risks
• Bank effects and vessel response
• Manoeuvring under different environmental conditions
• Practical ship handling techniques and operational decision-making
The simulator exercises are designed to reflect realistic operating conditions and allow participants to explore vessel behaviour in increasingly demanding scenarios. This enables you to develop practical skills and confidence in handling large vessels safely and efficiently.
Prerequisites and level
This is an advanced-level course.
You are expected to have practical experience with ship manoeuvring and a solid understanding of navigation and vessel operations.
Meet your instructor
Frej Anton Alwerud is a Master Mariner with more than 20 years of seagoing experience, most recently serving as Captain on Ultra Large Container Vessels. His career has provided him with extensive practical knowledge of ship handling, strong nautical expertise, and hands-on experience with human factors in maritime operations.
At Force Technology, Frej works with simulator training, port studies, and the testing of new vessel designs, combining operational insight with solid technical understanding. As an instructor, he draws on his maritime background to deliver training that is practical, relevant, and closely aligned with the realities of ship operations.
Jakob Møller is an instructor with extensive experience as a ship captain in the Danish ferry industry, having worked across a range of companies and operational roles. With both deep-sea and broad ferry sector experience, he brings a strong operational perspective to his teaching.
He holds a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma in Leadership. Jakob thrives in environments where learning drives development and takes great pride in delivering training to the highest professional standard. Most recently, he served as Head of Training, with responsibility for safety, navigation, and crew development.
Currently a Marine Specialist and Project Manager at Force Technology, Jakob combines his maritime expertise with strong competencies in hydrodynamics and simulation-based training. He is particularly passionate about port studies, working closely with clients to enhance efficiency and safety in port operations.
This combination of seagoing experience, leadership, and technical insight enables him to effectively bridge the gap between operational reality and simulation-based solutions.
Examination and certification
Participants receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.
Force Technology is an established maritime training provider approved by DNV.
Tailor the course to your organisation
The course can be customised to your vessel types, operational environments and specific manoeuvring challenges. Your own cases and scenarios can be incorporated to maximise relevance and operational value.
