Damen introduces ASD 2312 tug simulator

Tug simulators are now widely employed as a cost-effective means of training crews in a safe environment exploring various situations while avoiding potential risks involved in real time, real world activities. Part of the process of procuring a new tug can involve owners and their representatives flying to shipyards to assess various designs and try them out in real time prior to or during the acquisition process. As the effects of lockdown and travel restrictions from Covid has put severe restrictions on such activities, Damen has identified another way of achieving this remotely and together with Force Technology developed the latter’s SimFlex simulator model for the ASD 2312 Tug for use in simulator centres globally and with the SimFlex Cloud.

Denmark-based Force Technology’s global coverage and its “highly respected reputation” in the maritime industry was an attraction for Damen who mention travel restrictions in countries such as Australia and New Zealand as a reason for designing an ASD 2312 simulator model, Bastin Kubbe, Damen regional service manager Asia Pacific commenting: “We want to enable our customers to thoroughly test our vessels in an accessible manner prior to or during the acquisition process. Simulations can assist customers when deciding on the tug type they require, but they are equally important after an acquisition when the simulator can be used for training purposes for existing and new customers.”

Force Technology already has several Damen vessels in its simulator portfolio using advanced modelling techniques including data from sea trials and physical model tests derived from its own towing tank and wind tunnel test facilities with mathematical ship models responding exactly like actual vessels to ensure realistic environments in its own and its clients’ training facilities.

Jan Michelsen, head of department, simulation, ports and training at Force Technology states: “Damen is world renowned for its innovative ships with an enhanced focus on sustainability, safety, reliability and efficiency, values that are also core to Force Technology hence this strategic partnership makes good sense. We have decided to make the ASD 2312 tug model available in simulator centres globally as well as in our brand new SimFlex Cloud SaaS solution that is available anywhere and at any time.”