Virtual handling

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Port operator DP World has upgraded its training facility to include some state-of-the-art simulators. We dropped in to find out more.

The growing number of cranes being operated in Middle Eastern ports has increased the importance of relevant training for operators to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Although such initiatives are generally lacking in the region, Dubai-based heavyweight DP World has taken the lead by establishing its own training and development centre, complete with state-of-the-art simulators to enhance the core skills of its workforce.

Of course, given the company's phenomenal growth, the benefits of investing in such centres was evident from an early stage.

"We're no longer operating as a one million TEU terminal in Dubai. We are exceeding ten million TEUs now, so whatever was fine in the past needs to be upgraded," explains Robin Windley, training developer at DP World.

"Traditionally this industry has used live equipment to train operators, which is fine when you have the spare capacity. However, operations take precedent when the cranes are required, so we needed to find an alternative that is still close to a real environment. Simulators are about
as close as you will get," he adds.

There are two types of simulators available in the market, designed for separate categories - fixed plant cranes and mobile cranes. DP World has just finished installing both types, and the container-based mobile plant was in operation during our visit.

Built into a standard 40-foot shipping container, the air-conditioned training room has five giant screens on all sides, including one almost below the operator.

The central console includes joystick controls, buttons, lights and alarms that are found on actual cranes.

Surrounding speakers provide realistic clanks and bangs as the virtual spreader and shipping containers are maneuvered about and the trainee can experience the vagaries of wind, rain and even snow - something even live equipment might not provide.

The trainee's progress is monitored by a secondary computer system, not dissimilar to the electronic data logs found on many new high-end construction machines.

This PC draws a diagram of how and where the machine was operated, while also making a record of what controls were used and how ferociously. Such information can be used for an accurate appraisal of the trainee at a later date.

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