The MPPT allows the KMTO to train different procedures for fighting fires, leaks or engine failure for a large number of ship classes on the same simulator. First, the crew of the Air Defence and Command Frigates (LCFs) will be able to use this training environment. These large-scale types of emergency drills cannot be performed on board. The purpose of the MPPT is therefore to be able to train these procedures, related to calamities and malfunctions, as realistic as possible in a safe environment.
Universally applicable
RH Marine started two years ago, together with the KMTO, with the development of a generic trainer. In the past, each ship class had its own simulator. The new MPPT simulator is universally applicable, a huge advantage for the KMTO. “Now, an instructor can adapt the entire training environment to the ship class for which a specific emergency procedure must be trained within a few seconds at the touch of a button. The navy personnel who have something to do with the technical installations on board can learn the fixed procedures with the simulator”, explain Technical Automation Specialist Ron Wouters and Consultant Alarm, Monitoring & Control Ronald Langeveld of RH Marine. Another advantage is that several teams from different vessels can train on it simultaneously and independently of each other. This can be done individually or in teams, and is applicable from operators to commanders.
Phased project
The MPPT is primarily used for procedural training of the crew of the Air Defense and Command Frigates (LCFs) of the Royal Netherlands Navy: the Zr.Ms. De Zeven Provinciën, Zr.Ms. Tromp, Zr.Ms. De Ruyter en Zr.Ms. Evertsen. The introduction of the MPPT coincides for those ships with the renewal of the automation platform systems by an RH Marine system. “It is a phased project and in the first phase, the MPPT is only applicable for the LCFs. In the future it will also be possible to train for more ship classes”, Langeveld explains.
Other applications
The MPPT can also be supplied to other naval organizations of other countries or used in other sectors, such as the dredging sector. Wouters: “Dredging companies also have to deal with procedures and emergencies such as leaks or problems with a suction pipe, for example. Those procedures can also be trained in such a training environment ”.
Testing before construction
RH Marine is working with the Royal Netherlands Navy for the development and supply of bridge and navigation systems, automation systems and energy management systems. The new trainer was developed from scratch together with the Royal Netherlands Navy. Simultaneously with the development of the MPPT, RH Marine digitizes and automates various Navy emergency procedures. A new communication system has also been developed, including for broadcast messages played during calamities. Another benefit of the MPPT is that automation systems and applications and other processes ‘can be tested and validated before new vessels are built or before the systems are installed on board.
