In 2009, Sogreah, a firm of consulting engineers working in the fields of water, energy and the environment, launched the Otello, a 1:25 scale model of one of the world’s largest container carriers. This event was part of the celebrations to mark the extension of its shiphandling training center, Port Revel.
On March 29, to open the 2010 season, Sogreah will launch the latest addition to its fleet, the Q-Max, a faithful reproduction of a 1,132 ft LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) carrier with a capacity of 266,000 m3. Thanks to this latest model, sailors can now train on a ship that represents the new giants now sailing the seas.
The Port Revel development program was launched in October 2007 and represents an investment of over one million Euros, consolidating the centre's worldwide leadership in training pilots in shiphandling operations. By extending the lake to cover a total of five hectares, of which 70% is shallow water, doubling the number of quays and installing additional current-generating equipment, Port Revel can now offer an extremely varied range of situations and host 10-12 trainees each week as opposed to eight previously.
Since Port Revel first opened more than 40 years ago, numerous American, Canadian and European pilots have appreciated its facilities. About 200 are expected in the coming months, for conventional courses or tailor-made training designed by the centre’s highly motivated and experienced instructors to suit their specific needs.
The model of the Q-Max has been built to 1:25 scale, the same as that used for all models at Port Revel. The scale model reproduces the smallest details of the real ship in terms of handling and behaviour at sea.
As maritime safety becomes an increasing concern, Port Revel is even more relevant than ever in training ships' captains and pilots to handle emergency situations. The European and North American maritime pilots who make up 80% of the Centre's students are well aware of this and we hope we will soon have the pleasure of welcoming new European captains and pilots. To meet these needs, the Port Revel Centre proposes a range of different shiphandling training courses using scale model ships with on-board pilots:
• Basic pilot & master courses
• Refresher course
• Escort tug course
• Emergency shiphandling course
• Offshore course
• LNG carrier/car carrier/container vessel course
• ULCC course
• Pod course
(www.portrevel.com)