30.07.2013

World’s largest crane training simulator?

The world’s largest crane training simulator is now fully operational. Installed by Kongsberg GlobalSim for the National Ports Agency (ANP) of Morocco in the port of Casablanca, the project took several years to complete.

The simulator uses a 10 metre dome and 12 projectors to create an immersive virtual training environment in which crane operators can safely and effectively learn to operate new equipment. ANP expects to dramatically reduce both the training time required to produce competent operators and the number of accidents caused by poor handling of heavy port equipment.
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The simulator uses a 10 metre dome and 12 projectors to create an immersive virtual training environment

Kongsberg GlobalSim says the simulator boasts one of the most realistic virtual training arenas in the world. Much of that realism comes from detailed customisations produced by Kongsberg GlobalSim to replicate the port of Casablanca. The simulated cranes match the cranes used in the port and layout is an exact match of the port including the city’s skyline.

“Building the arena for ANP was an interesting project,” says John Olsen, one of the lead engineers from Kongsberg GlobalSim. “The port is very close to the Hassan II mosque so we inserted a full 3D model of the mosque into the scene outside the normal port working area, and it is visible from the cab for each of the simulators. In addition to that, our arenas have ground markings and rail placement to match the actual crane models and give the simulator a realistic area in which to work.”
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The world’s largest crane training simulator is now fully operational installed by Kongsberg GlobalSim for the National Ports Agency of Morocco in the port of Casablanca.

One major advantage of using simulation for heavy equipment training is the diversity of training operations available on a simulator. With six different crane models available it can be used in the morning to train Ship-to-Shore crane operators and then in the afternoon can be used to train straddle carrier operators.

The simulator provides the real look and feel of using the simulated equipment, as it features authentic controls, a full cab, and an inverted six degree-of-freedom motion base mounted above the cab.

“What is possible with today’s technology is absolutely amazing,” says Clyde Stauffer, GlobalSim’s vice president of marketing and sales. “The level of realism these simulators achieve creates a phenomenal training environment without the risks of using real equipment.”

Kongsberg GlobalSim, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, delivers training systems for equipment operators in the maritime, construction, offshore, intermodal, military, and mining industries throughout the world.