K-Sim Navigation DNV GL Class A bridge simulator with 360 degrees field of view, scheduled for delivery to Simwave’s brand new training facility in Barendrecht, The Netherlands at the end of September 2017 (illustration: KONGSBERG)

Kongsberg Digital and Simwave B.V. have formed a strategic partnership resulting in a contract for one of the most extensive KONGSBERG maritime simulator deliveries to date. Located in Barendrecht, The Netherlands, Simwave is a new Maritime Centre of Excellence with ambitions to offer the future generation and current maritime professionals the best possible training experience and fair assessment procedures next to the most advanced and specialised applied research.

Simwave, has chosen KONGSBERG as its sole simulation technology supplier and partner for the development of a state-of-the-art new facility designed to deliver maritime simulation as a service, with a white label, pay-as-you-go foundation. The partnership with Kongsberg Digital will also include development of new innovative maritime training solutions on KONGSBERG’s newly launched open ecosystem, kognifai.

Simwave’s unique approach to maritime training will enable customers full access to an advanced simulator park on their own terms. The Simwave facility will become a flexible platform for customers to train and assess crew, investigate projects and promote services by using state-of-the-art simulators customised to their own requirements. This includes the use of customers’ own 3D mathematical ship and environment models based on K-Sim technology.

Simwave customers can hire its facilities as a turnkey solution, with Simwave experts tailoring the configuration to the exact requirements of the training program or research project. Uniquely, Simwave is making its facilities available 24 hours a day. Customers have the option to bring their own instructors and task Simwave to manage the technical facilities, or use Simwave’s own experienced and certified educators to lead training or support research.

Simwave’s expert staff are an important aspect of its new turnkey approach to maritime training and simulation, with experts, such as senior pilots, database developers, applied researchers and mathematical modelling specialists available to advise customers on complex maritime challenges. Alongside typical training courses, the Simwave facility is expected to become a vital tool for maritime development projects including port and expansion upgrades. KONGSBERG simulators enable customers to research the impact of their investments in terms of accessibility, safety, environment and manoeuvrability.

Enabling Simwave’s innovative approach to maritime training and ambition to widen the application scope of maritime simulators, is the KONGSBERG simulator delivery, which is due to be completed by the end of September 2017. The full scope of supply (detailed in Notes for Editors) covers multiple full-mission and part-task simulators for ship’s bridge and engine room operations, all based on the latest KONGSBERG simulator technology platforms. The contract also includes a five year Long Term System Support Program (LTSSP) which guarantees dedicated support and access to technology updates, in addition to a planned mid-life upgrade at end of the LTSSP.

Joost van Ree, Co-founder, Simwave says, “KONGSBERG’s world class simulators will allow us to offer an integrated ship system approach to training, where all aspects of a vessel operation are included. While technology is vital, the Simwave difference is that we are providing complete flexibility for customers to train or research in a way that exactly meets their needs.”

Tone-Merete Hansen, Senior Vice President, Maritime Simulation, Kongsberg Digital says, “Kongsberg Digital is honoured to receive this contract, which is an acknowledgement of KONGSBERG’s position as a leading supplier of Maritime Simulation. Simwave has expressed its ambitions for the future, which is fully in line with Kongsberg Digital’s product development and digitalisation strategy. We will work in close collaboration with our customers, including Simwave, in developing digital training solutions for the future to the benefit of the maritime industry.”

Tags: Kongsberg Digital, Simwave B.V.