Kongsberg builds bridge simulator for UIPA

The Korean government is investing US$110m in the project over the next three years, with a goal of starting operations in 2023. The contract is being delivered through maritime ICT convergence company, eMARINE Global.

Kongsberg Digital’s senior vice president, Tone-Merete Hansen, said, “Kongsberg Digital’s suite of simulators have a huge potential in the maritime research and development sector. The K-Sim technology platform, with its physics-based modelling, incredibly realistic vessel behaviour and virtual environment, enables testing and verification of operations to a very high level. Our simulation technology will support UIPA to test, verify and shape innovations in the field of autonomy.”

The simulator will be used primarily for research and development of navigational equipment and display systems, helping test technologies in a virtual environment before trials in a designated autonomous ship test bed. The new system comprises visual and physical simulation, a radar signal interface function and software for navigation analysis, equipment test and evaluation.

Due for installation in November this year, the delivery will also include development of new software to integrate external inputs such as GPS and wave sensors, as well as an API interface to allow data transfer to other systems. Kongsberg Digital will also supply an area database for the virtual ‘Ulsan Port’ and a modelling tool.