Cargo-Handling Simulator Introduced for Qatar Project LNG Carriers
November 21, 2003
NYK has introduced a cargo-handling training simulator for Qatar Project LNG carriers (ordered from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and MHI Marine Engineering Ltd.).
The aim is to improve the relevant cargo-handling skills by having the NYK-assigned crewmenbers of the NYK-managed LNG carriers undergo onshore training in advance. This, it is believed, will contribute to further enhancing the operational safety of NYK's LNG-haulng fleet, which has continued to operate without accidents for more than 20 years now.
This simulator faithfully reproduces the equipment of NYK-managed LNG carriers down to the last detail. As such, it features the specifications of the highest standard in the world that make it possible to conduct training in the following types of work:
- Ordinary cargo work (loading, unloading and ballasting)
- Special operations (such as gas freeing work)
- Emergency operations
NYK also intends to introduce training simulator software of LNG transport for Tokyo Electric Power Company in January 2004. Thus, NYK will continue to intensify onshore and shipboard training in cargo handling in order to fully ensure the safe operation of LNG carriers.
Supplier: Qatar Liquefied Gas Company Ltd.
Buyers: Eight electric power and gas companies in Japan
Of a total of 10 LNG carriers for this project (MOSS type, capacity:135,000 cubic meters), NYK is charged with the management and operation of four vessels (Al Khor, Broog, Doha and Al Jasra). Since LNG transport started in 1996 under the 25-year Qatar Project contract, NYK has continued to carry LNG safely and efficiently from the loading port of Ras Laffan in Qatar to Japan via the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Malacca Strait and the South China Sea.
The basic particulars, performance and characteristics of the Qatar Project LNG carriers, such as pipe arrangement, and related fittings and apparatus, are faithfully expressed and programmed as mathematical formula models, which make possible exactly the same training as that on board the actual vessel. For instance, even the operation, monitoring and display sections of the cargo work console are based on the same specifications as those of the actual vessel. The mathematical formula models of the operation signals and the display signals of the operation result are made to correspond exactly to those of switches, lamps and display meters on the gauge board.
A distinct difference from conventional simulators is that the installation of a mimic panel, interlocked with other gauges, and a ballast control console for training in ship's condition control has made it possible to conduct various types of training in changing conditions even more similar to those on board the actual vessel.
Moreover, the makeup of the simulator is characterized by the separate arrangement of the "cargo control room" and the site of cargo work. The former is equipped with a "cargo control console." This enables crewmen to undergo training primarily designed to immediately respond to a given situation under the same system as that of the actual vessel.