Simulator-Based Training

For many years MARINTEK has co-operated with Statoil, Navion and the Ship Manoeuvring Simulator Centre in Trondheim in the development of a simulator-based training programme for deck officers on offshore-loading tankers. Today our focus is on simulator-based training needs for the new generation of LNG carriers operating at all kinds of terminals including offshore loading.

Simulators will be used for training of all deck officers on new LNG carriers as well as for developing and verifying tug boat assistance and operational procedures. Simulator training is a minor insurance cost for safer and more efficient operation of LNG carriers when approaching/leaving a terminal, whether it is land-based, fixed or floating.

Ocean Basin tests of FPLO.

Framo, Navion, Seaflex and APL have developed an Offshore Cryogenic Loading LNG transfer system. The Floating LNG Production and Offloading vessel (FLPO) is tandem moored and the LNG carrier will rotate together with the FLPO, moored by means of a double “crow’s-foot” hawser arrangement. MARINTEK has carried out model tests of the system in order to establish forces, moments and motions, including operational limits. Results from the model tests will be used to develop sub-modules for SMSC’s training simulator for future training of personnel on ships involved in offshore cryogenic loading. The final training programme will be developed using the experience gained during the traditional multi-level offshore loading courses given by SMSC over the past ten years.

In co-operation with other members of the Trondheim Group, consisting of several SINTEF units, the Ship Manoeuvring Simulator Centre and Safetec, nautical safety studies have been performed for the Snøhvit LNG terminal in Northern Norway. Simulation models for the new ships contracted for transport of LNG from the terminal to customers in the USA and Spain will be developed and installed at SMSC for familiarization training of ship crews prior to their first real-life experience of these new ships. Current and wave models for the Melkøya/Snøhvit terminal have been developed using existing and planned topographies for different designs of the terminal. These numerical models have been tested and verified using measurements from the site (for the existing topography) and from small-scale physical models (for modified topographics).

Current model for Melkøya LNG terminal.

MARINTEK, SMSC and the Norwegian Training Centre – Manila have recently completed a study for Bergesen aimed at improving their company training programme for lightering operations involving LNG carriers. Simulator training has been expanded to include pre- and post-course activities. Company-specific learning notes have also been developed for pre-course and on-course activities. The post-course activities focus on improving the communication between course participants and simulator instructors and the development of a Frequently Asked Questions database for advanced ship handling. For 2004 the study has been expanded to include more shipping companies in Norway and Singapore as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Research Council of Norway and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, relating to co-operation in maritime R&D and Education & Training.

Contact at MARINTEK:  Tor Einar Berg
Contact at SMSC: Odd Sundklakk;

(Article in MARINTEK Review No 1-2004)