Set to open in spring 2024, MARIN’s new Seven Oceans Simulator centre (SOSc) is taking shape. With this state-of-the-art research facility, MARIN aims to make maritime operations safer and more efficient. The SOSc will be capable of ultra-realistic simulation of the behaviour of vessels and their interaction between maritime structures, the environment and people.

Simulate complex maritime operations

Maritime operations are becoming increasingly complex - containerships are getting bigger, traffic and the number of new infrastructures at sea are increasing and also weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable. The safe performance of these operations requires a capable and well-trained crew. The spherical simulators in combination with a motion-based bridge will be unique in the maritime world and will immerse crews in such a way that the highest training and research value is achieved.

The new facility will also be used for research studies and testing innovative developments. Just some examples are the application of virtual reality, operational advice tools and the testing and monitoring of autonomous ships.

In-house developed manoeuvring and simulation software

SOSc simulators run on the in-house developed manoeuvring and simulation software Dolphin. This can simulate the full range of maritime operations, from simple ship handling to high-risk, multi-player offshore operations, and from manoeuvring vessels to planing vessels. For the accurate prediction of the hydrodynamic behaviour, the combination of MARIN's test facilities, prediction methods (such as Computational Fluid Dynamics) and full‐scale measurements is essential.

Key capabilities

• Optimises nautical operations with excellent modelling of hydrodynamics.
• Prediction of hydrodynamics, including all interactions between ships, offshore constructions and environment.
• The latest visualisation, virtualisation and motion cueing techniques.
• Close observation of the behaviour and interaction between operators.
• Measurement and feedback on the performance and workload of operators.
• A research platform for new control techniques and human-machine interfaces to improve situational awareness during an operation.
• All simulators can be linked to realistically simulate multi-ship and multi-tool operations.

The SOSc is set to be operational spring 2024.

For more information on the various SOSc features read the leaflet below.