The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is to upgrade and extend the simulators at the country’s SIDMAR facility, its Center for Simulation, Research and Maritime Development, to add new functionality to include multiple vessels in training scenarios and extend the realism of the simulator training provided for pilots and tug masters.
Scheduled for August 2021, the project will be delivered by Kongsberg Digital, upgrading the centre’s main K-Sim Navigation simulator with new visual image generation and display/projection systems, and an array of new consoles and hardware (HW) panels.
In addition, a new floor projection system will be installed to replicate the port and starboard views from the bridge wings. This feature will allow trainee officers on the main bridge to monitor the tugs and pilot boats in port and tug manoeuvring scenarios with vessels in close proximity, for example.
Two entirely new K-Sim Navigation bridge simulators are included with the delivery. One will be configured to duplicate a full-mission tugboat bridge with the capability of simulating various types of tug propulsion systems including Voith, Schottel and Azimuthing Stern Drive (ASD).
The 360° vertical displays on the new bridge simulators will enable student tug masters and pilots to train together with the crew members on the main bridge, while a new CCTV system and instructor stations can be used for the creation and individual assessment of exercises.
“We’ve enjoyed a fruitful working relationship with the Panama Canal Authority for many years,” said Andreas Jagtøyen, EVP, Digital Ocean, Kongsberg Digital, “and it’s very satisfying to know that we can continue providing SIDMAR with our cutting-edge simulation technology, which now will be integrated for multi-vessel training scenarios.”
“The commitment the Authority has shown with this large-scale K-Sim extension and upgrade confirms its faith in our simulation technology and bodes very well for our ongoing mutual development.”
