Damen And VSTEP Simulation To Establish Simulation Research Laboratory

The joined force of Damen Shipyards Group and VSTEP Simulation will develop a laboratory to bring out new simulation solutions.

The collaboration aims to establish a software that will help expand the abilities of the present NAUTIS Maritime Simulation of VSTEP making it applicable in engineering and thus, opening ways for research and development for the various R&D programs.

The design of the ship and it’s engineering will the main focus as the software will be developed there. This will enable the naval architects and engineers to show the probable alterations in a design and will then present what impact it can have on different aspects of the operation of the vessels.

“Business units across the group require ever more simulations to mitigate the risks inherent in designing and commissioning,” says Marcel Cleijsen, team leader at Damen R&D. “Costs per simulated vessel are currently high due to dependency on suppliers, high tariffs and limited re-usability as ownership remains with suppliers.

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This project is an investment that will drastically lower the cost per simulation by standardising the interface between components and making the completed simulations re-usable for future purposes.”

“With our focus on driving innovation within the industry, we can ensure that our combined solutions will complement each other,” added Steve Claes, technical director at VSTEP Simulation. “The industry demands better quality each year, which is something our maritime simulators can help accommodate. I believe this new project marks the beginning of a closer cooperation that will lead to a wealth of new data findings. These findings will contribute to the digitisation of the industry and pave the road to a new norm, with our simulator solutions in the lead.”

The joined force of Damen and VSTEP Simulation is presently working through the associate company of Damen, 360-Control. NAUTIS Maritime Simulators are used to train crew in manoeuvring tugs and OSVs in a variety of real like situation but with no harm to the environment.

The new laboratory will also try to develop ‘Digital Twin’. This will be a virtual presentation of the present types of vessels which can be manipulated to build up how they perform in conditions and scenarios that they are yet to experience. This information will then be used to optimise the designs to help them work effectively in new markets.

“Investing in a full bridge simulator is a step towards the Digital Twin goal,” adds Marcel, “and not only enhances Damen’s capability as a digital system integrator, but also enables us to present our findings to our internal and external clients and suppliers in an intuitive 3D graphical format.”

Reference: damen