Reducing training risks for crane drivers with state-of-the-art simulator
(Posted on 26/10/23)
A new immersive crane simulator that can recreate high-risk scenarios without putting drivers or other port workers in danger has been installed at Tees Dock.
The £400,000 investment in the Full Mission Crane Simulator, manufactured by GlobalSim – the only machine of its type in the north of England – shows PD Ports’ commitment to safety and to helping colleagues achieve continuous improvement in their learning and skills.
The state-of-the-art simulator was imported from the US earlier this summer and has been programmed to exactly replicate the mobile harbour cranes, ship to shore cranes and rubber tyre gantry cranes operated at Teesport, and their surroundings.
Crane drivers can practice what to do if things go wrong, in a non-pressured, safe environment.
The machine can present different conditions, such as high winds or working at night. It can also simulate a hoist break failure, where the container just starts to fall – so the crane operator gets the experience of hearing certain alarms and dealing with specific faults in a safe space.
It is also programmed to train on hazard perceptions, such as a crew member walking underneath a load.
The simulator can also be used by trainee drivers so they can learn the basics of operating a crane without disrupting live operations at the dock.
The investment in the simulator was the idea of Martin Walker, PD Ports group engineering manager, electrical.
“We started thinking about this investment back in 2020, as we were recruiting drivers who needed to be trained and often our plant availability limits us doing this,” he said.
“It was a big investment to make but the benefits this machine with provide have already been demonstrated.
“As well as providing a safe space to learn, the simulator also supports our carbon emission reduction efforts, as the simulator uses less energy than a real crane, no fuel and no carbon emissions.”
Frans Calje, chief executive officer of PD Ports, said: “The simulator offers next level training for our crane drivers. As well as learning how to operate a crane, it gives them a chance to understand the deeper risks in their role and prepares them for any eventuality.
“Without cranes and crane drivers, none of the millions of tonnes of imports that we rely on in the UK would make it off the ships, so it is vital that we invest in our training and make sure we are operating in a way that is as safe, efficient and effective as possible.”
Latest News
Liebherr Connect to link people, cranes and digital environment
(Posted on 07/05/25)Liebherr Connect is changing the way people, machines and the environment are connected. With broadly... Read more
Dualog sets a new standard for maritime email
(Posted on 07/05/25)Dualog has announced a significant update to its email solution: individual corporate email accounts... Read more
Naples cargo operator invests in energy-efficient Konecranes Gottwald MHC
(Posted on 01/05/25)Magazzini Generali Silos Frigoriferi (MGSF), part of the Klingenberg Group, has ordered a Konecranes... Read more
FuelEU Maritime compliance strategy is commercial priority, says OceanScore
(Posted on 28/04/25)FuelEU Maritime represents a strategic headache for shipping companies on the same level as its technical... Read more
Wärtsilä upgrade to deliver emissions savings for Ulusoy bulk carriers
(Posted on 22/04/25)Technology group Wärtsilä will upgrade the Wärtsilä RT-flex main engines... Read more
Steelpaint secures major order for application on 39 bulk vessels
(Posted on 22/04/25)German coatings firm Steelpaint GmbH has secured a major order to supply its specialist Stelpant... Read more
BAR Technologies' WindWings a practical solution
(Posted on 15/04/25)In the wake of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee... Read more
Orderbook for all dry-bulk vessel classes falls by 26% Y-o-Y in Q1
(Posted on 15/04/25)Global economic uncertainty and a cooling of the market has seen newbuild orders for dry-bulk vessels... Read more
Alfa Laval expands its portfolio with NRG Marine acquisition
(Posted on 03/04/25)Alfa Laval has completed the acquisition of UK-based NRG Marine, a leading provider of ultrasonic anti... Read more
MBF and ZESTA MoU to accelerate zero-emission shipping
(Posted on 03/04/25)In a landmark moment for the global maritime industry, the Maritime Battery Forum (MBF) and the Zero... Read more
