Aerosoft and SWE Systems today announced that Professional Ship Simulator will launch in Early Access for PC via Steam on September 16th, 2026!
Officially revealed in April, Professional Ship Simulator offers players the chance to operate a vast array of immaculately recreated ships, from enormous cargo vessels and cruise ships, to smaller tugging and emergency boats, players can expect technical depth, and a living, physically simulated seas and ports, in a maritime experience built around precision and authenticity.
At the heart of Professional Ship Simulator is an advanced hydrodynamic model where wind, waves, currents, bank effect, and propulsion forces all influence the way a vessel behaves. Players must manage speed, position, momentum, and the surrounding environment whether navigating open water, entering a busy harbor, or completing a precision towing operation.
Every vessel is operated through fully interactive cockpits and detailed onboard systems. Radar with AIS/CPA tracking, sonar, power generation and transmission, navigation tools, and radio communication are all part of the simulation, supported by flexible controls spanning keyboard, gamepad, and specialist simulation hardware.
The game’s open world brings together two expansive maritime regions based on real-world geographic data: the Island of Rügen and the Strait of Dover. More than 40 harbors, authentic seamarks and navigation lights, dynamic weather, day and night cycles, wildlife, and dense AI traffic combine to create constantly changing conditions at sea.
Players can build a career across a growing fleet that ranges from tugboats, fishing trawlers, rescue vessels, and offshore ships to yachts, container ships, bulk carriers, LNG tankers, and cruise ships. Professional activities include cargo transport, ferry operations, fishing, offshore logistics, tug assistance, buoy maintenance, rescue missions, and firefighting, alongside free exploration.
The Early Access release will provide a solid foundation of core systems and content, including the two principal scenery regions, eight mission types, and an initial selection of scenarios and step-by-step tutorials. SWE Systems plans to expand the simulator throughout Early Access with additional ships, missions, scenarios, tutorials, and community-led improvements. Modding support is planned for a later Early Access update rather than the initial launch.
Key Features:
- Authentic ship systems and true-to-life physics
- Realistic weather and wave simulation
- Extensive ship fleet: from small vessels to large commercial ships
- Real world locations and official sea maps: Island of Rügen and Strait of Dover
- Career mode and sandbox missions
- Modding support (not available upon launch into Early Access, but strictly planned)
Community feedback will play a central role in that process, with player suggestions helping to shape future development as Professional Ship Simulator grows toward its full release.
