RTM STAR Center® to Evaluate Cozumel TMM Pier

RTM STAR Center® has been awarded a contract to perform a simulator-based study by TMM (Transportacion Maritima Mexicana), in cooperation with various cruise lines to investigate access by conventionally propelled vessels, as well as AZIPOD® propelled vessels at the inside berth (eastern side of the pier). These types of vessels were chosen because they are a good representation of the ships that may utilize the docking facilities now and in the future at Cozumel. STAR Center provided a geographical model of the port of Cozumel that accurately depicted the piers, shoreline, aids to navigation, and other distinctive features to ensure a high level of fidelity during the simulation exercises. After all preparation for the project was complete, an in-house validation of all models and simulation exercises was conducted. During the simulation exercises, current and wind will be modeled to represent credible worst-case conditions since the currents and winds in this area can have a pronounced effect on the docking and undocking of vessels at the TMM pier.

Upon completion of this study, STAR Center provided TMM Puertos & Terminales, S.A.: de C.V. with a “Letter Report” that described the study and discussed the results and conclusions. The report concluded generally that access to the eastern berth could be safely accomplished in all but the severest conditions of wind and current by the types of cruise vessels used in this study. STAR Center currently possesses the world’s largest library of visual databases including over 150 ports, canals, rivers and entrances and over 100 hydrodynamic models ranging from Frigates to ULCCs and everything in between for use with the bridge simulators. STAR Center’s library of databases and models are available to meet the training and research needs of the international maritime community. In addition, STAR Center has the capabilities and flexibility needed to generate ports and ship response models to meet any need.