Jan De Nul is commissioning two new high-tech simulators in Aalst, including a crane system designed to prepare teams for installing offshore wind turbines reaching tip heights of 300 metres.
The company said the crane simulator is a digital twin of vessels Les Alizes and Voltaire, which handle foundations weighing up to two thousand tonnes.
It added that the seven-metre-wide dome provides a 360-degree view so operators can train in changing weather, high waves and seabed subsidence.
“The crane simulator features a seven-metre-wide dome that provides a full 360-degree view, immersing operators as if they were truly at sea,” said Stefan Bruggeman, responsible for the simulators at Jan De Nul.
“We also train in all possible conditions: changing weather, high waves, seabed subsidence, you name it,” he stated.
Jan De Nul said employees, clients and partners will train together to improve safety, collaboration and project preparation.
Bruggeman added that up to four roles can train simultaneously from separate rooms to expose communication bottlenecks early.
The company is also introducing a new cutter suction dredger simulator based on the Willem van Rubroeck to support full-project training.
Jan De Nul is building three new vessels for offshore energy and subsea cable protection and is recruiting engineers, technicians and operators.