SAAM Terminals unveils advanced crane simulator

The new simulator, developed by CM Labs, is said to be the most technologically advanced in the country.

“Our people move our terminals day in and day out, and we want them to do it well,” said SAAM Terminals’ chief executive, Mauricio Carrasco.

“This simulator is a state-of-the-art system. Given its mobile structure, we can train workers at San Vicente Terminal Internacional (SVTI), our first location, and at other of our terminals in Chile.”

In addition to SVTI, SAAM Terminals operates terminals in San Antonio, Iquique, Antofagasta and Corral in Chile.

Four crane operators have already been trained in Canada and will be in charge of training their colleagues on the STS and MHC systems.

SVTI’s general manager, Juan Pablo Santibáñez, said the equipment offers ‘an unprecedented level of graphic and sensory realism’.

“It is the most technologically advanced in Chile and among the most advanced in Latin America. This year, we plan to train or retrain 20 people,” he said.

Costing close to US$500,000 the simulator uses highly customisable exercises which can incorporate dynamic variables such as weather conditions, the presence of people in the operation, vessel mobility and other critical factors for port operations.

It can also simulate the forces and movements of real machines, rain, wind, swells, ship movements and sounds.