Jan De Nul Group has ordered a high-end crane simulator from Norwegian company OSC (previously known as Offshore Simulator Centre), covering its two next generation offshore installation vessels.
The crane simulator will be based on real physics and the actual vessel models, enabling Jan De Nul to train its crew members and realistically simulate complex offshore installations in a complete safe environment.
Jan De Nul is launching two new next-generation offshore installation vessels, the jack-up installation vessel Voltaire and the heavy lift vessel Les Alizes.
Current offshore wind turbines go up to 15MW but Les Alizes and Voltaire will be the first to handle turbines up to 20MW according to Jan De Nul.
The jack-up installation vessel Voltaire will be equipped with a 3000-tonne leg encircling crane, the heavy lift vessel Les Alizes with a 5000-tonne tub mounted crane.
In order to train future operators, deck crew, superintendents and bridge crew to work with these giant cranes in a safe and realistic environment, Jan De Nul ordered a high-end crane simulator with OSC.
Jan De Nul Group manager for electrical and automation Tom Maes said: “This crane simulator will not only be producing extraordinary graphics and close-to-reality sensations like any random video game.
“The simulator will be based on real physics and the actual vessel models, offering a digital twin of both vessels and tools.
“In other words, a priceless engineering tool, fully at the service of our clients to advise them in their plans for the future.”
OSC head of projects Mathieu Edet added: “With our expertise in digital twins and real-time simulation of demanding offshore operations, we aim to deliver first-rate engineering and training tools for marine operations.
“The commissioning of a high-end simulator for Voltaire and Les Alizés is a project that is in accordance with our philosophy: delivering cutting edge and multipurpose simulation solutions for engineering teams and mission crew readiness.
“We are thrilled to be onboard this journey with Jan De Nul Group and aspire to provide an industry-leading simulator that will gather all operation key stakeholders.”
This device will offer the chance to operators, deck crew, superintendents and bridge crew to train the specific skills and techniques required to operate the cranes, in a safe but realistic environment.
It will allow them to prepare for different work situations, such as working in extreme weather conditions, with heavy loads and strict installation tolerances, Jan De Nul said.
Various mission equipment, such as the motion-compensated pile gripper, including the communication and interactions between the different persons involved in lifting procedures, will also be a key aspect of the training package.