Crane simulator brings safety benefits

Owner PD Ports has invested £400,000 in GlobalSim’s Full Mission Crane Simulator which expertly replicates ship-to-shore, rubber-tyred gantry and mobile harbour cranes.

It is the first such simulator in the north of England and will enable crane drivers to practise what to do if things go wrong.

“The simulator offers next level training for our crane drivers,” said Frans Calje, chief executive officer of PD Ports.

“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.”

The machine can present different conditions, such as high winds or working at night. It can also simulate a hoist break failure 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 can also be used by trainee drivers so they can learn the basics of operating a crane without disrupting live operations at the dock.

“We started thinking about this investment back in 2020, as we were recruiting drivers who needed to be trained and often our plant availability limits us doing this,” said Martin Walker, PD Ports group engineering manager, electrical.

“As well as providing a safe space to learn, the simulator also supports our carbon emission reduction efforts, as the simulator uses less energy than a real crane, no fuel and no carbon emissions.”