Maritime Simulation News

(tankeroperator.com)

Dutch training establishment STC-Group has signed a contract with Kongsberg Maritime to supply extensive upgrades to its large suite of simulators.

The contract consists of sophisticated extensions and upgrades to the group’s Kongsberg Maritime full mission and part task ship’s bridge simulators and its full mission engine room simulator.

A complete upgrade of the group’s classroom set of 15 desktop cargo handling simulators and 15 desktop engine room simulators including instructor stations for both classrooms is also included in the delivery, in addition to new ship and engine models for the different simulators.

STC-Group will also upgrade its current chemical, LPG and crude cargo handling simulator for its classroom configuration and in response to developments in the Port of Rotterdam, the group has also purchased a sophisticated new LNG cargo handling simulator as part of the contract with Kongsberg.

While providing the tools to transform STC-Group’s simulator park into one of the most advanced anywhere in the world, the new simulators will also make it possible to continue to meet the standards set for DNV certification and to comply with the Dutch Inspectorate and the competencies required by the revised STCW, the academy said.

“The contract is a part of the European Transport Academy project partly financed with subsidy from the European Regional Development Fund,” explained Erik Hietbrink, chairman, STC-Group.

“As a major education and training institute, STC-Group evaluates on a regular basis the market for various simulator applications and it appears that no supplier is close to offer the fidelity and realism as found in Kongsberg Maritime simulation models,” he added.

Harald Kluken, Kongsberg Maritime’s area sales manager said: “We are delighted to be able to continue our close working relationship with STC-Group with this new installation and are confident it will benefit from some of our most recent simulator developments, including integration between engine room and ship’s bridge, touch screen technology and 3D engine room models.”

(ccjdigital.com)

L-3 MPRI, a global provider of integrated training solutions, which includes simulation-based training systems, services and turnkey training facilities, announced the release of Version 5.0 of its Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator (LCHS) software called Safe Cargo.

The new release incorporates a new network communications infrastructure that vastly improves the speed and stability of the simulator as well as system diagnostics and recovery, the company says.

“Version 5.0 of our Safe Cargo software capitalizes on L-3’s extensive experience in liquid cargo simulation and feedback from our valued customers,” said Dennis Corrigan, senior vice president and general manager of L-3 MPRI’s Training Systems Group.

The redesigned instructor interface ensures the system is easy to use, minimizing the amount of training required before instructors can use the system effectively, the company says. The configuration wizard allows an instructor to define the required simulator configuration for the training exercise, selecting from multiple ship types, and assigning the student stations to be operated independently or in groups. Once defined, configurations can be saved and reloaded in the future with a single click of a button.

New tools are also available to simplify the monitoring of each of the student stations and the recording of student actions, with integration into the WISE Virtual Instructor and Competence Assessment tools.

The new software additionally features the option to incorporate real hardware consoles or virtual panels with the appropriate gauges and controls, allowing lifelike simulation of a fully operational Cargo Control Room environment.

More information on L-3’s LCHS and Version 5.0 of the Safe Cargo software is available at this site.

(maritimeprofessional.com)

Great Offshore Limited inaugurated their state-of-the-art Offshore Ship & Crane Handling Simulator, considered the first of its kind in Asia, and which is likely to bring about a paradigm shift in offshore training in India. This integrated simulation platform comprises of offshore vessel maneuvering, towing, anchor handling and dynamic positioning system.

The simulator was inaugurated by Dr. Satish Agnihotri, the Director General of Shipping, Government of India at the company’s registered office in Mumbai, “Energy House” on 16th December 2010 in the presence of a large number dignitaries and government officials.

Great Offshore is India’s prominent integrated offshore oilfield services provider offering a broad spectrum of services to upstream oil and gas producers to carry out offshore exploration and production (E&P) activities. Since inception it has always laid emphasis on training and development of its employees thus enabling it to maintain its premier position in the offshore sector.

“This is the first and only integrated offshore vessel maneuvering simulator East of Suez,” stated Executive Director Mr. Soli C Engineer. “Our earlier indigenous simulation platform was commissioned in the year 2008 and was extensively used to familiarize, train, assess and upgrade the maneuvering skills of our sea going staff. In upgrading to the present simulation we have include an integrated DP simulator, anchor handling module, a tug handling simulation platform. We have also introduced a standalone crane handling simulator which mimics our existing cranes on vessels, rigs and construction barges. Such an integrated simulator will offer a gamut of services to the offshore industry. ”

Giving details Capt Sandeep Kalia, Head of Fleet Personnel Department informed, “The DNV approved offshore simulator provides a common platform for deck & engine officers to operate simultaneously. What is unique is that the simulator is custom built and modeled on Great Offshore own vessels with the same controls as exists on their vessels. While the master and deck officers will focus on maneuvering, station keeping using manual controls, joystick or DP mode, the chief or second engineer will handle the winches from the wheelhouse, during towing and anchor handling operations.”

For Great Offshore which was bestowed with the “Safest and Most Environmentally conscious Indian Shipping Company” award for the year 2010, this comes to be another accomplishment. Dr. Satish Agnihotri, while inaugurating the simulator congratulated the company for this achievement and declared the setting up of the simulator a benchmark in shipping. He expressed his happiness over the technological advancements towards the offshore safety, by an Indian shipping company.

“It is the Man behind the machine that makes the difference and hence we have taken concrete steps to mitigate the challenges faced by us,” averred Mr Engineer. “Increasingly complex and demanding jobs and regulations are placing challenging pressures upon the seafarers. In order to supplement the on board training facilities, the company has designed & custom built an indigenous Offshore Ship handling & maneuvering simulator incorporating the latest technologies into a unique, world class product”.

(worldmaritimenews.com)

First mainland Australia DP training facility opens for business

A state-of-the-art Dynamic Positioning (DP) Operator Training Facility, featuring an extensive simulator suite developed by Kongsberg Maritime was opened in Northbridge, Western Australia on 22nd November 2010. Owned and run by the Australian Maritime College (AMC), the new facility is ideally positioned to serve the growing Western Australia oil & gas business from its centre in Perth.

“Prior to opening our first DP Operator Training Facility in Tasmania last year, which is also based on Kongsberg Maritime DP simulators, Australian trainees would have to travel to Europe or the US for DP courses, so we are delighted to be expanding our capacity for DP training already,” comments John Foster, AMC Search Chief Executive Officer. “The new facility strengthens our ability to support the demand for skilled DP operators by providing high quality training using serving DP officers as instructors and sophisticated simulators able to exactly mimic the operation and maintenance of complex DP systems.”

The Kongsberg Maritime simulator installation at the new AMC facility in Perth includes the K-POS Basic DP Trainer for classroom arrangement, complete with 4 DP Models and the K-POS Advanced DP Trainer with Instructor Station and dual redundant DP control system complete with 4 DP models. All equipment has been designed and delivered in accordance with the Nautical Institute requirements. The Basic and Advanced Trainers can be used to practice DP operations on four DP models: Generic Supply Vessel, Generic Drill Ship, Generic Semi Submersible and Generic Tanker.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to continue our close working relationship with AMC by supplying the simulators for its second DP training facility in Australia,” adds Mark Stuart Treen, Sales & Marketing Manager for simulation, Kongsberg Maritime. “The new facility is a fantastic demonstration of AMC’s commitment to offshore training and it joins several cutting-edge offshore simulators we have delivered recently, including extensive full mission systems for offshore operations, anchor handling and DP training for Maersk at its MOSAIC facility and for EMAS Offshore in Singapore. These installations represent the state-of-the-art in offshore training and are helping to make operations safer and more efficient across the board.”

Kongsberg Maritime is the leading supplier of advanced DP systems to the offshore and other marine sectors. The company’s DP simulators exactly mirror real-life KONGSBERG DP systems installed on hundreds of vessels worldwide, making it possible to perform complete training covering platform support, realistic offshore loading operations, close proximity operations in offshore oilfields and emergency manoeuvres.

(bymnews.com)

Imtech Marine & Offshore and VSTEP announce their cooperation to deliver innovative maritime training simulators. The partnership combines Imtech’s worldwide experience in maritime systems and VSTEP’s innovative 3D simulation technology to introduce a new range of high-end maritime simulators which are affordable, maintainable and adaptable for both the profit and non-profit market.

The cooperation was launched at the NIDV (Netherlands Industries for Defence & Security) Symposium & Exhibition 2010 using the theme ‘Partners in Technology’. Explaining the partnership to the Netherlands Minister of Defence at the Imtech stand, René van de Bruggen, CEO of Imtech stated: “Partnering with innovative companies like VSTEP is a good example of Imtech’s growth strategy. We always look for new technologies to contribute to our customers goals. Making sure that ship crews are well trained on our solutions, is part of our life cycle approach, ensures safety at sea and reduces operating costs.”

The partnership starts off with a cost-effective DNV Class A compliant bridge for maritime training schools, naval academy’s and ship owners. Further areas of cooperation include joint solution development and marketing, participation in military tenders and projects. Customers can be served worldwide through the network of 70 Imtech Marine offices along the world’s sea lines of communication and VSTEP’s offices in The Netherlands and North America.

Cristijn Sarvaas, CEO VSTEP: “We are honored to have been selected by one of the strongest full service suppliers in the maritime industry to jointly develop the market for high-end maritime simulators. Imtech has an excellent reputation in serving the world’s leading maritime companies. This reputation and their extensive network of maritime equipment suppliers, is a solid basis to serve the most demanding simulation customers worldwide.”

Profile VSTEP

VSTEP is a leading International developer of simulators and virtual training software. VSTEP creates 3D virtual training applications and simulators that allow people to build their skills in a practical and cost effective way. VSTEP’s core products include award winning virtual incident management training and maritime simulation software.

Profile Imtech Marine

Imtech Marine & Offshore is part of Imtech Marine. Imtech Marine is a leading group of companies in the global maritime market, operating as full-service provider and system integrator of tailor made, innovative technology solutions covering the whole ship. Imtech Marine specializes in Automation (Platform and Bridge), Navigation & Communication including Connectivity, Energy & Drive systems, HVAC solutions and Fire Protection systems, Entertainment, Lighting systems and Maritime Services. Managing each project from pre-design and engineering through to commissioning, Imtech Marine provides innovative systems and reliable services during the operational life cycle of the ship. The group reached annual revenues of €550 million in 2009, employing 2,500 employees at more than 70 offices along shipping routes and close to shipbuilding centers. The Imtech Marine Group includes renowned companies like, Radio Holland Group, Imtech Marine & Offshore, Imtech Schiffbau-/Dockbautechnik, Imtech Marine Germany, Van Berge Henegouwen Installaties and Royal Dirkzwager. In 2010 Imtech celebrates its 150th anniversary.

(maritime-executive.com)

Virtual Training and Simulator developer VSTEP will be demonstrating its new NAUTIS Naval Task Force simulator and new RescueSim Naval Shipboard Firefighting module during I/ITSEC 2010, the world’s largest simulation and training conference, from Nov. 29 – Dec. 2, 2010 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida:

NAUTIS Naval Task Force

NAUTIS is an award-winning maritime simulator platform providing a user friendly, high quality and affordable alternative for contemporary maritime simulators. NAUTIS Naval Task Force is specifically designed to meet the navigation and seamanship training requirements of navies and coast guards. NAUTIS Naval Task Force is suited for shiphanding, navigation and tactical communications (radio, signal flags, and flashing light) training. It can also be used to rehearse seamanship operations unique to the naval environment such as replenishment at sea, formation steaming, amphibious landings, helo flight deck operations, and plane guard / life guard station maneuvering and emergency response.

All Nautis simulators include a wide range of exercise areas and vessels, each with a superior level of detail. We offer affordable and effective alternatives for training officers and crews, ranging from desktop trainers and classrooms to full mission bridge simulators.

RescueSim Naval Shipboard Firefighting module

RescueSim has been used by emergency first responders worldwide to train personnel to coordinate appropriate responses to the most serious incidents. Our new Shipboard Firefight Module provides an innovative way to train watchstanders and damage control team members utilizing 3D interactive simulation software. This new RescueSim module can improve the reaction and knowledge of damage control members thereby making actual drills much more effective.

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(bymnews.com)

Kongsberg Maritime Simulation Ltd., the St. John’s, Newfoundland branch of Kongsberg Maritime’s simulation division, has reported strong performance in the latter half of 2010 with the signing of several key contracts with Canadian customers, covering the whole spectrum from ship’s bridge, dynamic positioning and radar simulators through to engine room and naval simulators.

In an extensive, multi-million dollar contract signed early October, Kongsberg Maritime will deliver a full suite of ship’s bridge and engine room simulators at the Canadian Coast Guard College (CCGC) in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The ship’s bridge simulator delivery to the CCGC includes a full mission DNV Class A, four DNV Class B simulators and a range of own-ship and area databases. The CCGC will also receive a full mission engine room simulator, together with eight desktop systems and a range of engine models. Kongsberg Maritime is also responsible for building and infrastructure arrangements prior to the installation, which is due to take place next year before a June 2011 commissioning.

“This is an important upgrade for the Canadian Coast Guard College which will provide them with the very latest simulation technology for their cadet training programmes,” comments Kongsberg Maritime Simulation Ltd’s Area Sales Manager, Clayton Burry. “With a growing student body and increasing demands on CCG operations, we are confident these systems will provide them with the necessary tools to meet Transport Canada certified training.” Kongsberg Maritime has also been contracted to upgrade bridge and engine room simulators at the Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) in St. John’s, Newfoundland, which is part of the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University. It will receive a full mission Neptune engine room simulator, complete with Kongsberg Maritime’s BigView solution for slow and medium speed engine models, in addition to eight new desktop trainers. As part of the delivery, Kongsberg Maritime will modernise four NMS-90 ship’s bridge simulators by integration of the Polaris simulation software platform and new MultiFlex technology – a touch screen based panel capable of displaying up to five software panels in place of hardware. The simulators, scheduled for delivery in December 2010, are certified to DNV standards and meet all requirements for Transport Canada approved training.

In another extensive contract, The Marine Campus of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in North Vancouver has selected Kongsberg Maritime to upgrade its engine room and ship’s bridge simulators with a number of firsts for the College, including some for the industry. Among other items, BCIT will have the first full mission diesel electric engine room simulator in Canada and what is believed to be the only dedicated 360-degree tug bridge in the Americas. Ordered systems include a full mission Neptune engine room simulator and three full mission engine models, eight desktop systems, and seven new ship bridges with 120 degree horizontal visual field of view, in addition to the 360-degree tug bridge. A suite of full-mission and desktop dynamic positioning trainers will also form part of the delivery.

“Kongsberg is extremely pleased to be selected as a preferred supplier to CMS and BCIT on these significant upgrade projects. Our compliance with all regulatory requirements, close connection to the maritime industry and the strength of our company all contributed to our success in securing these contracts. I think our customers know we are totally committed to their success and will continue to strive to earn their business over the long term,” adds Burry.

Kongsberg Maritime Simulation Ltd has also recently been awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin Canada (LMT:NYSE) to upgrade the Canadian Navy’s shore-based ship’s bridge simulation trainers in support of the Combat Systems Integration (CSI) portion of the Halifax-Class Modernization (HCM) project. “We’re delighted to have sealed so many contracts in Canada over the last few months,” adds Kongsberg Maritime Simulation Ltd President Henry Tremblay. “The orders represent our long standing presence in Canada and commitment to the American maritime training community. This is fantastic news to be taking to our Simulator User Conference in Orlando at the end of November, where we are looking forward to meeting with all of our American and Canadian customers.”

(maritime-executive.com)

ROTTERDAM, NL/BUENOS AIRES, AR—Servicio Integral de Prácticos S.A. (SIPSA) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is the first “Maritime and Riverine Research and Training Center” to build a Full Mission Bridge Simulator running NAUTIS maritime simulation software.

SIPSA has built a realistic bridge with 270-degree field-of-view using nine LCD TV screens. SIPSA will apply for DNV Class A certification of the simulator. The simulator integrates NAUTIS Maritime Training software, and was built to train maritime students and professionals in ship handling and navigation at any scenario. It also carries out maritime and consulting tasks, referred to the execution of new ports terminal’s modern condition of operation. This is referred to, not only to the necessary installations and under structure, but also the operation of new ships, safety conditions and IMO’s ruling.

Having used traditional simulation technology for about ten years, and have shown their usefulness to the effects of maritime expert advice in large project’s, SIPSA selected NAUTIS software for its new simulation center, because of the cost effectiveness of the solution, and the ease with which NAUTIS software can be integrated into their custom-built bridge. Another important advantage is that SIPSA staff can build their own vessels and 3D exercise environments and add them to the simulator.

VSTEP CEO, Cristijn Sarvaas: “We are honored that such an experienced user of maritime simulators has selected NAUTIS for its new research & training center. SIPSA’s choice shows that the new generation of simulation technology which NAUTIS represents can meet the stringent requirements set by the maritime simulation community. The powerful benefits of the new technology, such as low cost, flexibility for the user and superior visuals, will revolutionise the way simulators are used in the maritime community.”

SIPSA Project Manager, Alberto Secchi: “NAUTIS was our first choice for maritime simulation training. It allows for realistic simulation of sailing maneuvers, docking, mooring to buoys, use of ropes and tugs, all sorts of failures and events, and different hydro meteorological and visibility conditions, daytime with good and bad visibility and nighttime. It allows for recording of maneuvers that are carried out so we can extract the respective technical conclusions through a very detailed analysis.”

SIPSA has proved to be a pioneer in the maritime simulation field, combining its own expertise in maritime simulation with the advantages of the NAUTIS software. The maritime professionals, officers and crews trained by SIPSA will benefit greatly from SIPSA’s pioneering mentality.

To learn more about VSTEP, visit www.vstep.nl.

(marinelink.com)

The Kongsberg Maritime Simulation & Training department has developed a Green Ship Engine Room Simulator (ERS) model based on a Wärstilä 12RT-flex 82C low-speed common-rail engine, built for a Panamax container ship of 4800 TEU, with reefer capacity of 800.

The scenario for the simulated ship model is a modern Green Ship that is financed and operated by a ship owner who is concerned about environmental issues, and who has built a fuel efficient / low-emission container ship using well-proven, commercially available technical solutions. The simulated ship has a high normal operating speed of 26 knot and the propulsion machinery is adapted for all ambient temperature conditions, ranging from arctic (-40°C) to tropic (45°C), allowing new trading routes. The new ERS model offers highly realistic training based on the above conditions, to ensure optimal performance whilst reducing emissions. The RT Flex simulator model also includes a Sankey diagram, making it easy to visualize the energy efficiency of the engine room plant.

“Although many Kongsberg Maritime ERS models offer Green Ship functionality, the RT-flex model features the most comprehensive fuel efficiency and emission reduction functionality that we have developed so far,” explained Leif Pentti Halvorsen, Product Manager for Engine Room and Cargo Handling Simulators, Kongsberg Maritime. “Our increased focus on Green Ship simulation is a result of higher interest from environmentally conscious owners, who will be using more efficient engines like the Wärstilä 12RT-flex in the future.”

Instead of the usual mechanically-controlled fuel injection pumps and exhaust valve drives of Wärtsilä RTA engines, the RT-flex82C has an electronically-controlled common-rail system, meaning that the engine room operation differs from that of other ships, so there is a requirement for specific training on this system. The new ERS model simulates the Wärtsilä Engine Control System (WECS) which triggers the electro-hydraulic rail valves for the respective functions, in addition to simulating a wealth of technical aspects including waste heat and thermal oil tank heating system. The model also simulates an exhaust converter of the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) type, cutting the NOx emission by about 90%.

(marinelink.com)

Kongsberg Maritime AS, Simulation & Training has made an agreement with the Research Council of Norway to form a user-directed research program called SIMAR – Simulation of Demanding Maritime Operations – which is aimed at improving simulation training by enhancing focus on human factors.

The main goal of the research project is to obtain new and improved knowledge of human factors in a learning environment based on simulated complex maritime operations, in order to develop a new generation of research based, maritime simulators for demanding and risky operations, e.g. anchor handling in offshore environments. The aim is to be able to assess and measure the effect of the simulator training; both in the simulator (based on the specific learning objectives) and during the actual maritime operations (such as reduced risk, reduced number of accidents, less oil spills, reduced costs related to loss of equipment and more efficient operations).

To achieve this, the project has defined 4 sub goals:

1. Defining and developing human learning objectives based on relevant parameters available in the simulator
2. Designing and controlling the exercise/scenario
3. Increasing the knowledge of how simulator training affects human learning
4. Strategies for implementing knowledge of human factors

Research has proven that simulator training is an important tool to build competence and reduce accidents. SIMAR could improve simulator training further by introducing competence in the education process through extensive testing on new and efficient education methods. Today, the success or failure of simulator training depends on the quality of the psychological teaching principals used and the psychological factors in the simulator software (training program).

Through the SIMAR project, Kongsberg Maritime hopes to develop a simulator that combines state-of-the-art simulator technology with state-of-the-art human factors knowledge. “We have used our market and operational competence in combination with our simulator hardware and software expertise to provide high quality training for seafarers since the seventies,” said Terje Heierstad, Product & Technology Manager, Kongsberg Maritime, Simulation & Training.

“Technology has developed fast and we are now offering incredible degrees of realism so we are keen to develop the learning aspects and human factors in simulation training further. There is currently very little research in this field, so SIMAR is exploring new ground for the maritime industry. We are convinced that the cooperation with the Research Council of Norway and our R&D partners will contribute to the development of the best tool for the future training on demanding operations.”

The task of defining and developing human learning objectives based on relevant parameters available in a simulator will primarily be carried out by Chalmers University of Technology: “At the institution for Shipping and Marine Technology and in the competence centre, Lighthouse, we have developed competence for research and development within many maritime fields. SIMAR gives us a unique possibility to practice our knowledge – both employees and students – to improve maritime education and safety at sea,” said Margareta Lützhöft, Docent at Chalmers University of Technology, Institution for Shipping and Marine Technology, department for vessel work environment and safety, Gothenburg.

The University in Vestfold will in cooperation with the University in Oslo, be responsible for performing research on the education process in the simulator based on knowledge of mechanism and methods in education. Testing of new training exercises, based on competence of educational mechanism, will be executed at the simulator centre at Vestfold University College.

Marius Imset, Institute Leader at the Faculty of Technology and Maritime Science at the University College in Vestfold explains: “Knowledge on how new information technology and instrumentation can contribute to increased safety and efficiency within the maritime sector is a priority area for us at Vestfold University College. We perform research on how human factors work together with technology and organization, and the use of advanced simulators provides new and exciting possibilities. Our cooperation with KONGSBERG, the University of Oslo and Chalmers is unique, as it brings together different world-leading communities on complex and demanding maritime operations. We are proud to contribute to the SIMAR project, which will bring out new knowledge with the purpose to increase safety, efficiency and improve the use of energy.”