The ship manoeuvring simulator is an instrument to test waterways in a virtual environment. Flanders Hydraulics has three simulators: SIM 360+ and SIM 225 allow sailing simulations with various types of ships such as seagoing vessels, coasters and tugboats. Lara is a ship manoeuvring simulator specifically for inland vessels.
In a simulator, ship manoeuvres are simulated as follows:
- motions of the ship can be observed by the instruments on the navigation bridge and through the windows (exterior visuals);
- the navigator observes how the ship behaves;
- the navigator uses adaptive commands (rudder, telegraph, tugboat assistance)to steer the ship;
- the forces on the ship are calculated (mathematical ship manoeuvring model);
- the speed and new position of the ship are determined and displayed on the instruments and through the exterior visuals.
Objective
The simulators are used for research and manoeuvre training.
When used for research, the experienced navigators are provided a manoeuvring task. Afterwards, a statistical analysis of the manoeuvres takes place. This allows the condition to be evaluated and, for example, to estimate the safe navigation path width. We conduct various types of simulation research to:
- design ports and waterways;
- optimize nautical procedures;
- determine the limits for safe traffic (risk analysis).
Manoeuvring training for pilots and navigators entails practising specific manoeuvres.
Components
The ship manoeuvring simulator comprises various components. There is firstly the mathematical model. This is the calculating core behind vessel motions. Different forces act upon a sailing vessel: forces generated by the movement of the vessel through the displaced water, by wind, current, waves and other passing vessels.
Secondly, the simulator has a navigation bridge. From the instruments, the radar and the exterior view through the windows of the simulated bridge, the captain or pilot can see how the vessel behaves. With adaptive commands (rudder(s), telegraph, tugboat assistance) he/ she steers the vessel. Dependent on these commands, the interaction of forces on the vessel can be calculated. From this, the speed and the new position of the vessel is calculated and displayed on instruments and radar. In this manner, manoeuvring is simulated as realistically as possible.
Flanders Hydraulics has three complete bridge simulators:
Characteristics
Ship’s bridge:
- navigation equipment for steering various types of vessels (seagoing, coastal shipping and Voith-Shneidertugboats);
- automatic radar plot device (ARPA radar);
- quadrophonic sound system;
- VHF radio;
- Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS);
- possibility to connect Portable Pilot Unit.
Exterior visuals:
- computer-generated perspective image of the surroundings projected on a cylindrical screen;
- under projection, a surplus valua for quay and lockmanoeuvres;
- field of view: 225° horizontally and 35° vertically;
- It is possible to change the viewing direction so that the ship can be visualised from bow to stern. Extra LCD screen on 180° is available;
- fog, mist, twilight and night vision.
Mathematical manoeuvring model:
- calculation of hydrodynamic forces, shallow water effects, restricted water effects;
- propulsion;
- aerodynamic forces;
- forces of pushing and pulling tugboats;
- forces of cables and anchors;
- contact forces and interaction with encountering and overtaking target vessels.
Instructor’s room:
- operator console to select, develop, start and stop voyages;
- operator console for 4 boatropes and 2 anchors;
- control of target vessels;
- set atmospheric conditions and the time of day;
- opening and closing of bridges and lock gates;
- operate traffic lights;
- operating console for 4 tugboats (classic, Voith-Schneider, Z-Peller).
- computer-generated perspective image of the surroundings projected on a cylindrical screen
- under projection, a surplus value for quay and lock manoeuvres
- PPU (Portable Pilot Unit) with integrated QASTOR application
- automatic radar plot device (ARPA radar)
- quadrophonic sound system
- VHF radio
- Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS)
- A field of view of 225° horizontally and 35° vertically
- Augmented rear view provided by four 85” screens
- Possibility to change the viewing direction so that the ship can be visualised from bow to stern
- PPU (Portable Pilot Unit) with integrated QASTOR application
- automatic radar plot device (ARPA radar)
- Quadrophonic sound system
- VHF radio
- Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS)
- Bridge with 210° aerial view displayed on seven 52”LCD monitors
- Equipped with ECDIS and radar
- Controllable camera views
- Controllable bridge height as on many inland vessels
- View vertical down (Manoeuvres close to a wall or lock)
- Command section as conventional vessel or Voith (tug boats)