MSRC’s fully interactive tug and large vessel simulation capabilities also mean that the facility provides a total turnkey port procedural development centre. Simulations that only employ what are commonly referred to as “vector” or “target tugs” (i.e. a force applied by the instructor that simulated the tug’s towline force) are somewhat restrictive in that they provide results that are dependent upon this simulated towline force which may not consider real world tug manoeuvring or control complications such as physical space constraints or the design of the big ship, overhangs, and limited push/pull attach points.

The facility at MSRC can support the port development from initial conceptualization through to the final manoeuvring process optimization and emergency preparedness. The phases in a typical fully integrated port simulation design might include:

1) Appraisal and Conceptual Design

This phase and its associated simulation scenarios may often be completed by MSRC staff requiring only some consultation from local pilots/port authorities.

2) Conceptual Validation and Procedural Design

This phase and its associated simulation scenarios typically require the participation of local pilots/tug masters/port authorities. Based on findings from the appraisal and conceptual design phase, this phase includes functions such as:

– Developing a risk assessment matrix and determining environmental condition operating limits;
– Determining the best mode of employing tugs at various stages of the operation;
– Assessing potential casualty or catastrophic failures and determining a suitable emergency preparedness/response plan;
– Compiling a comprehensive report of complete findings and recommended implementation actions and training requirements.

3) Manoeuvring Procedure Training for New Facility

Once the conceptual validation and procedural design phase is complete, MSRC’s fully interactive tug and pilot simulation capabilities can then be used to conduct emergency response training to prepare for common problems/complications as well as “worse case” scenarios, etc.

4) Data Capture and Reporting Capabilities

MSRC’s simulator is equipped with detailed, automated data capture tools that facilitate the assessment of simulation outcomes, and support the production of empirical findings both in numeric and graphical form. For port development projects, this can be used in a number of ways. Initial simulator predictions and their tabulated results can support the basis for preliminary conceptual and policy design, and the preparation of basic operational frameworks. Information gathered from live trials or initial project implementation can then be used to further refine simulator outputs. These refined computer models can then be used to deliver advanced training for the new port’s routine operational and emergency response procedures.