Kongsberg Digital to deliver state-of-the-art K-Sim Fishery simulator to VDAB in Belgium

Asker, February 18, 2019 – Kongsberg Digital has signed a contract with VDAB (the Flemish Service for Employment and Vocational Training) in Belgium for the delivery of a K-Sim Full Mission Fishery Simulator for beam trawling. Surpassing STCW-F (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers for Fishing Vessel Personnel) requirements, the unique functionality, flexibility and hydrodynamic realism of K-Sim Fishery were key criteria in VDAB’s significant commitment.

K-Sim Fishery sets a benchmark for accurately replicating the working environment, equipment and operational processes of a fishing vessel bridge and deck in real-life, offering an immersive and fully-integrated learning experience. The K-Sim Fishery Simulator has already been contracted for use by the Lofoten Vocational School in Norway and several more organizations are planning to order, with VDAB becoming the second client investing in the future for a more viable, safe and sustainable fishing industry.

The development roadmap for K-Sim Fishery includes applications to support fishing methods such as trawling, purse seine and long line. VDAB has requested a solution specifically for beam trawling where stability calculation of the vessel during operation of the beam trawl and booms is included to replicate the working conditions on board this type of vessel. To achieve this, Kongsberg Digital will include high-fidelity mathematical models of trawls, winches, wires, MARELEC D Protec, trawl control system, Genavir netting and auxiliary equipment, and visual system. DNV GL Class A-certified elements including ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System), RADAR/ARPA, emergency and distress signals will be fully integrated along with a multibeam echo sounder from KONGSBERG’s Simrad brand.

The K-Sim Fishery simulator will augment and complement VDAB’s two DNV GL Class B bridge simulators and six part-task bridge simulators. Combined with K-Sim’s dynamic load prediction and compensation functionality, the overall experience will contribute to an improved perception and broader understanding of the forces that can impact upon a beam trawler under given circumstances. For example, the simulator training will engender familiarity with vessel behaviour when crews are releasing or hauling in trawl nets, or when instructor-implemented malfunctions occur, such as nets becoming snagged on underwater obstacles.

“We invested a great deal of forethought, time and effort in ensuring that the beam trawler simulation technology is as adaptable and realistic as possible,” says Harald Kluken, Area Sales Manager, Kongsberg Digital. “The K-Sim Fishery Simulator represents a move into a new training sector for KONGSBERG, where we feel our technology will deliver value in honing operational and navigational skills while drastically reducing the likelihood of accidents.”

For further information, please contact:

Anne Voith

Kongsberg Digital

Maritime Simulation

Tel: +47 48084640

Email: anne.voith@kdi.kongsberg.com