Wärtsilä Supplies Technology Simulators for Training Facility in Portugal

The technology group Wärtsilä has supplied advanced technology simulators providing realistic hands-on training for a new training facility in Portugal, developed and run by the Port Authority for the ports of Douro, Leixōes and Vano do Castelo (APDL). The order was placed in October 2018 and the center was opened at the end of July.

The center features a Wärtsilä Full Mission Bridge (FMB) simulator with 360 degree projection, two tug simulators with 360 degree LCD, and one VTS simulator to allow full training, complex exercises, and certification for pilots, tug masters, merchant navy offices, and seafaring vessel crews. The simulation technology has been developed by Transas, a Wärtsilä company.

“This is a state-of-the-art training center with state-of-the-art simulators, and we thank Wärtsilä for their support throughout this project. The center will promote both safety and operational efficiency at sea and on inland waterways. By being able to re-create actual operating conditions, the training doesn’t need to be carried out on-board, thus saving fuel and reducing pollution. The River Douro inland waterway has its five locks and corresponding approaches recreated in this simulator, as well as all the scenarios of Porto de Leixões and Viana do Castelo. This allows for intense and continuous training of ships’ crews, and for maintaining the skills of APDL pilots and parties,” Commandant Rui Cunha, director of operations and safety at APDL said.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister Vitorino said: “The simulator management software allows the creation of scenarios for any port and for differing weather and sea conditions. It is especially relevant for preparing pilots and masters, and for studying manoeuvres in adverse conditions, crisis situations, and maritime rescue.”

The Wärtsilä scope includes the development of several 3D zones and a tugboat model. Earlier, Wärtsilä provided APDL with a VTS system.