Kongsberg GlobalSim Install World's Largest Crane Simulator

The company reports completion of a multi-year project to build and install the world's largest crane training simulator for the National Ports Agency of Morocco.

The simulator uses a 10-meter dome and 12 projectors to create an immersive virtual training environment in which ANP's crane operators can safely and effectively learn to operate new equipment. As the simulator is integrated into its training regimen, ANP expects to dramatically reduce both the training time required to produce competent operators and the number of accidents caused by poor handling of heavy port equipment.

The simulator boasts one of the most realistic virtual training arenas in the world. Much of that realism comes from detailed customizations produced by Kongsberg Globalsim to replicate the port of Casablanca. The simulated cranes match the cranes used in the port. The simulation's layout matches the layout of the real port. Even the city's skyline, complete with the pointed spires of mosques, is recreated on the horizon.

"Building the arena for ANP was an interesting project," says John Olsen, one of the lead engineers from Kongsberg Globalsim. "The port is very close to the Hassan II mosque. Because of this we inserted a full 3D model of the mosque into the scene outside the normal port working area, and it is visible from the cab for each of the simulators. In addition to that, our arenas have ground markings and rail placement to match the actual crane models and give the simulator a realistic area in which to work."