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Digitalisation in Shipping Series

Episode One – Simulation

Last month we provided an update as to where digitalisation would take the shipping industry over the next year, whilst exploring the topic we discovered many exciting advances. These advances included simulation, digital twins, automation, the further development of 5G, unmanned vessels, AI and the increased use of cloud-based software. Over the next few articles, we’d like to explore each of these developments in the digital world in further detail. Welcome to our digitalisation in shipping series!

Let’s remind ourselves about digitalisation and its effect on the shipping industry. A big impact has been relating to the use of sensors, sensors that monitor cargo condition, the running of the ship and for navigation purposes, these sensors then relay the crucial part of the puzzle, data. With data we have knowledge. Digital information flows have had a positive impact on the commercial, environmental and safety performance of vessels. Being able to respond quickly means the ability to react to situations in real-time.

We will start our digitalisation in shipping series discussing simulation. As we mentioned previously, last May a huge purpose-built shipping simulation centre opened at the Southampton Solent University. This is the UK’s biggest shipping simulation centre, offering a training facility for ship’s officers, harbourmasters, pilots, port superintendents and other maritime professionals. The centre has the ability to enable trainees to test out hundreds of types of vessels with fully networked connections, enabling exercises between ship to shore or bridge to engine departments.

The simulation centre is fully equipped and uses Wärtsilä technology to power its 8 full-mission navigational bridges; full mission dynamic-simulator and six DP stations; 4 multi-purpose desktop simulation classrooms; on and offshore crane simulators; liquid cargo simulators; HV simulators; full mission engine room simulator; GMDSS radio communications and VTS suites and debriefing classrooms.

Professor Syamantak Bhattacharya, dean of the Warsash School of Maritime Science and Engineering said of the new facility;

“As pioneers in the use of simulation for professional development of ship’s personnel since the 1970s, we are proud to remain at the forefront in delivering specialist higher-level training,”

“Digital systems are key to the successful future of the maritime industry and there is a demand for digital skills across the maritime workforce,”

To see the new centre in action visit: https://youtu.be/8-XfcxqJcUw

Simulation centres such as the one in Southampton are a valuable resource to keep maritime personnel skilled in the latest digital technology, along with providing the most up to date training courses. These include the latest courses, such as; vessel traffic management, dynamic positioning and ice navigation.

 

Do you have any experience in using the simulation centre at Solent University? We’d be interested in your first-hand experience.

Please email: info@rtc-ltd.com