Simulator to train stevedores in Brisbane
Container crane operators in Brisbane will be the first in Australia to use an Advanced Virtual Training Simulator at DP World’s Brisbane terminal, with the new system introduced this month.
The training simulator, said to be the only one of its kind in the Australian stevedoring industry, will allow trainees and existing employees to practice the operation of different container handling equipment used onsite. Other industries to employ simulator training include the mining industry, airline pilots and marine pilots.
Senior vice president and managing director DP World ANZ Region Ganesh Raj said the training and technology upgrade in Brisbane is in line with DP World’s continued focus on employee learning and development in 2012.
“DP World is committed to delivering global best practice service for our shipping line customers, and we believe the way to do this is through investment in our best asset, our people.
“Over the past 18 months we have embarked on a major upgrade to infrastructure and technology across all our Australian terminals, where we need to be continuously up-skilling our employees in order to meet our customer needs.
“Ongoing professional development increases productivity and helps us maintain our global competitiveness to attain the best possible outcomes across our Australian operations. An on-site simulator not only allows us to train new employees in different modes and environments, but also to conduct refresher training,” Mr Raj said.
Director and general manager, DP World Brisbane Mark Hulme said: “Safety is paramount on the Australian waterfront. 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.
“Trainees and stevedores practice in a virtual environment where they manoeuvre containers with outside factors including wind and tight spaces being taken into account as well targeted time frames that need to be met.
“The facility will simulate both the current and future terminal layouts, including two crane types: the ship-to-shore container cranes operating in both single and twin lift and ship’s crane (pedestal, for break-bulk cargo such as steel and timber). It will also simulate the 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.
“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.
“Whilst time-saving, it is also a cost-effective form of training, as it reduces the impact on the terminal operations, especially during peak periods,” Mr Hulme said.
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