Applications of Maritime Simulators in Industry and Research

Abstract

Ship-bridge simulators are ideal arenas for research and innovation, hence, the use of simulators in industry and in research is ramping up. Ocean industry prospects are addressing core challenges such as food, security, energy, and climate change. The ocean holds the promise of great potential for economic growth. Appropriate tools are required for answering the questions of the emerging ocean operations. Questions related to technology development, training, safety and efficiency rise on a daily basis, where ship-bridge simulators could be the labs facilitating a wide spectrum of research experiments. This paper presents the role simulators play in maritime operations and lists various applications of ship simulators according to a literature review and nine interviews with researchers and managers in simulator centres. It also presents a case study of the current and future uses of simulators by the Norwegian Coastal Administration Pilot Service. The scope of simulator applications is wide, beside training, they are used in development of autonomous controllers and in recruitment of pilots.