Logistics News

DP World unveils simulation training facility

Container crane operators in Brisbane will be the first in Australia to use an Advanced Virtual Training Simulator at DP World’s terminal

May 21, 2012

Container crane operators in Brisbane will be the first in Australia to use an Advanced Virtual Training Simulator at DP World’s terminal.

The training simulator, to be introduced this month, is the only one of its kind in the Australian stevedoring industry.

It will allow trainees and existing employees to practice the operation of different container handling equipment used onsite.

The stevedore says the new facility is part of an 18-month upgrade to infrastructure and technology across all its Australian terminals.

Both trainees and experienced stevedores will now be able to practice in a virtual environment where they manoeuvre containers with outside factors including wind and tight spaces taken into account as well targeted time frames.

The facility will simulate both current and future terminal layouts, including two crane types; the Ship to Shore Container Cranes operating in both single and twin lift, Ship’s Crane bulk cargo such as steel and timber) and Sprinter Straddle capable of transporting 20 foot and 40 foot shipping containers within the terminal environment.

The simulator cabin is mounted on a motion platform with six degrees of freedom, and the terminal layout and mobile equipment are programmed into the virtual world.

Director and General Manager DP World Brisbane Mark Hulme says this method of training is
both time saving and cost-effective as it reduces the impact on terminal operations, especially during peak periods.

“Safety is paramount on the Australian waterfront,” Hulme says.

“With the help of the new simulator, our stevedoring employees/licensed crane operators will be able to ensure the continued proficient operation of terminal equipment for our customers, removing risks during training to other terminal employees and potential damage to plant and equipment.

“This investment will ensure our stevedoring employees’ skills remain current and the simulator is a fantastic tool to assist in their competency development and assessment.”

DP World has further plans to roll out this new technology across its network of container terminals in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Fremantle over the next 18 months.

DP World is a registered training organisation (RTO) providing on-site accredited training programs for its workforce towards attaining either a Certificate II, III or IV in Stevedoring Operations from the Transport and Logistics (Stevedoring) Training Package.

The contract to develop the custom-made software for the simulation facility was awarded to Applied Research International (ARI) from New Delhi, while the major hardware components were supplied from within Australia.

Other industries to employ simulator training include the Mining industry, Airline Pilots and Marine Pilots.

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