Ship simulators have become much more realistic, accurate and quick over the last three decades, underpinned by the steady growth in the processing power of computers.
It is of little surprise, therefore, that they are playing an ever greater role in contributing to port safety through, for example: pilot and tug master training, and their continual professional development; supporting changes in the design of ships, ports and terminals, and helping pilots and tug masters to become familiar with those alterations; and investigating incidents and
near misses in ports.
Simulation has been used by hydraulic organisations (including HR Wallingford) for over 30 years to evaluate the impact of new ships in ports or terminals, in terms of manoeuvrability, environmental limits and towage requirements.
