(With video) Dutch maritime research institute Marin is to develop a new, cutting edge simulator centre, to be named Seven Oceans.
In addition to preventing accidents, bridge simulators are important to optimise ports and waterways. Marin's current simulator centre dates back to the nineties.
Seven Oceans Simulator Centre
The Seven Oceans Simulator Centre will be built up of a combination of flexible sphere-shaped large and small simulators, a moving simulator for small, fast ships and a Virtual Reality room with 3D-glasses. To evaluate simulations, the simulators will be equipped with observation and image analysis techniques.
The simulators can be linked to each other to create complex operations with multiple ships and constructions, such as installation and removal of offshore constructions and wind turbines. The simulator allows both engineerd on and offshore to practice the operation in advance, which reduces both risk and cost. Furthermore, future ships or concepts can be tried out even before they are built.
Linked Simulators
In future, the simulators can be linked with other simulators in the Netherlands or abroad by Internet, including those of schools and the Royal Netherlands Navy, thereby strengthening the link between nautical research and education.
Autonomous Sailing
Finally, Marin strives to play an important role in the development of sailing autonomously, in which the "human factor" is still important on intelligent bridges or in on shore control centres. The Seven Oceans Simulator Centre aims to be an important testlab for this development.
Financing of the new simulator centre is not yet complete. Marin hopes the Dutch government will contribute significantly.
