Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has collaborated with Taiwanese shipping company Evergreen to develop and implement VR solutions for training at the Evergreen Seafarer Training Center (ESTC), improving operational stability while reducing costs and risks.
SHI and Evergreen have worked together to develop and install virtual reality (VR) solutions at ESTC to assist seafarers in learning how to operate eco-friendly equipment used on Evergreen’s 16,500TEU container ships. SHI`s VR solutions are designed to train seafarers, who operate methanol dual-fuel propulsion vessels, within a virtual space to help them learn fully about the equipment prior to operating the vessel in real life.
SHI believes it has become imperative for shipping companies to implement training programmes for seafarers to operate new equipment due to stringent environmental regulations and a surge in eco-friendly shipbuilding orders. Against this backdrop, SHI developed a programme that facilitates direct inspections of critical areas, such as engine rooms and bunkering stations, in virtual spaces, and provided it to the ship owner. This is achieved through VR solutions implemented using 3D design data, eliminating the need to board ships physically.
With VR solutions, seafarers can learn to efficiently operate equipment with more complex systems than those found on conventional diesel engine ships. Additionally, these solutions offer repetitive training for emergency situations, such as fuel leaks or fire onboard. They are anticipated to mitigate operational risks and reduce maintenance costs associated with malfunctions or misuse of critical equipment.
Dong-yeon Lee, VP and Director, SHI Ship and Offshore Research Institute, said: “VR solutions that are tailored to customer needs will play a crucial role in enhancing the operational stability of eco-friendly ships. Samsung Heavy Industries will develop a range of customised solutions by leveraging our technical expertise in VR.”
Image: Evergreen employee experiencing SHI’s eco-ship VR training aid (source: Samsung Heavy Industries)
