Damen, VSTEP Joint Venture in Simulation Research Laboratory

摘要

Netherland-based Damen Shipyards Group and VSTEP Simulation colllaborates to establish a laboratory to explore innovative new simulation solutions. The aim of the partnership is to develop software that will extend the capabilities of VSTEP Simulation's existing NAUTIS Maritime Simulation platform into engineering applications and so open up new research and development possibilities for Damen's numerous R&D programmes. The initial focus will be on ship design and engineering, where software will be developed that will allow naval architects and engineers to first model potential changes in a design and then view in virtual reality the impacts that these would have on other aspects of the vessel's performance. "Business units across the group require ever more simulations to mitigate the risks inherent in designing and commissioning," says team leader at Damen R&D, Marcel Cleijsen. "Costs per simulated vessel are currently high due to dependency on suppliers, high tariffs and limited re-usability as ownership remains with suppliers. This project is an investment that will drastically lower the cost per simulation by standardising the interface between components and making the completed simulations reusable for future purposes." Damen is well-known for its commitment to continually improving its designs based on industry feedback and the application of new technology, and this capability will be a valuable tool in supporting that process.