CM Labs Develops First Simulator to Train Megamax STS Crane Operators

STS crane training module, with 56 meter water side outreach and tandem spreader, to help operators develop skills required to work with Ultra Large Container Ships

Montreal, QC, July 31, 2018 — CM Labs Simulations, world leader in port equipment training, today announced the release of the new megamax STS training pack—the largest ship-to-shore (STS) crane ever simulated—developed to minimize the training challenges presented by this new class of STS cranes.

Training both new and experienced operators on the competencies required for loading and unloading the world’s largest container ships, the innovative simulation provides valuable seat and training time in a virtual megamax crane.

The simulated crane includes a dual spreader option, which provides a valuable training opportunity for ports that are leveraging tandem spreaders for increased productivity. This double hoist system, capable of lifting 4 containers at once, is found only on the most modern STS cranes on the market.

Reaching as far as 24 container rows deep, CM Labs’ virtual megamax STS includes functionalities and features required to deal with the complexity of operations around Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCSs). This includes managing and working in deeper pockets of containers on ships, using camera aides to expand the field of view, and in general, keeping up with overall port performance requirements.

Using specifications, load charts, and other information from crane manufacturers, the simulated crane was designed with a 30-meter span, a 56-meter water side outreach and a 22-meter land side outreach, accurately reproducing actual crane dimensions and the resulting behavior under various conditions and load scenarios.

“Containers are being stacked further from the operator and deeper in the ship’s hull than ever before and, as such, balancing safety and productivity is testing even the most experienced operators,” said Nicolae Sterescu, CM Labs’ Port Solutions Product Manager. “Passing knowledge between coworkers isn’t an option at this point because few operators have experience with megamax cranes and the visual aides—like cameras—that are required now.”

Instructors and operators alike benefit from performance reporting tools that track a number of key metrics for each student. This data can then be used to evaluate and subjectively score an operator’s performance to determine if they are ready for terminal operations. As well, instructors can trigger challenging events—including machine faults and port safety rules violations—to offer an environment that further challenges trainees, and accelerates skills development and worksite awareness.

“We build our training packs with the concurrent goals of lowering the number of safety incidents, improving ship turnaround, and ensuring that the real machinery is being used as effectively as possible,” said Arnold Free, CM Labs’ Chief Commercial Officer. “We’re confident that ports worldwide will benefit from simulation-based training, as the actual equipment needs to stay productive at all times.”.

About CM Labs Simulations

CM Labs builds simulation-based solutions to help clients design advanced equipment and prepare for skilled operations. Through its Vortex Studio platform, CM Labs provides capabilities for training simulators, mission rehearsal, virtual prototyping, and testing.

CM Labs’ Vortex Port Equipment Simulators provide true-to-life training experiences that result in safe and productive container handlers. From ship loading/unloading to transport to yard management, Vortex powered training solutions can be used to train employees across the entire port workflow.

For more than 20 years, CM Labs’ Vortex Simulators have helped train equipment operators in port, maritime, and offshore environments all over the world. In the past few years alone the Port of Tilbury, Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal, Indonesian Port Corporation, Napier Port, Ports of Auckland, multiple DP World sites and the Pacific Maritime Association (USA) have chosen Vortex simulators to improve operational safety and efficiency.

Vortex® is a registered trademark of CM Labs Simulations.

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