PD Ports’ Tees Dock now has a unique immersive crane simulator that can simulate high-risk events without endangering drivers or other port workers.
The GB£400,000 (US$485,000) investment in the Full Mission Crane Simulator by GlobalSim – the only machine of its kind in the north of England – demonstrates PD Ports’ commitment to safety and to assisting colleagues in their learning and skills development.
Martin Walker, PD Ports group engineering manager, electrical, proposed the simulator investment.
The cutting-edge simulator, which was imported from the United States earlier this summer, has been set up to precisely recreate the ship-to-shore cranes, rubber tyre gantry cranes, and mobile harbour cranes used at Teesport and surrounding areas. Crane drivers can practice what to do if something goes wrong in a safe environment.
The machine can present different conditions, such as high winds or working at night and can also simulate a hoist break failure, where the container just starts to fall, so the crane operator gets the experience of hearing certain alarms and dealing with specific faults in a safe space. It is also programmed to train on hazard perceptions, such as a crew member walking underneath a load. The simulator may also be used by trainee drivers to learn the fundamentals of crane operation without interfering with actual dock operations.
“The simulator offers next-level training for our crane drivers. As well as learning how to operate a crane, it gives them a chance to understand the deeper risks in their role and prepares them for any eventuality,” stated Frans Calje, chief executive officer of PD Ports.
He further added, “Without cranes and crane drivers, none of the millions of tonnes of imports that we rely on in the UK would make it off the ships, so it is vital that we invest in our training and make sure we are operating in a way that is as safe, efficient and effective as possible.”
