Maritime Simulation Laboratory

A world-leading facility for research and development in the marine field
Ship simulator
The University of Plymouth’s Maritime Simulation Laboratory offers an innovative networking solution that allows real-time collaboration between multiple simulators, software, or hardware. Simulations or experiments can be run with different independent components which can share information with each other. This enables emergent behaviour and complexity to be introduced into simulations, giving researchers an opportunity to reproduce, analyse, and understand non-linear phenomena.
Delivering significant opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and integration. 
The laboratory offers multi-site participation in real-time experiments. For example, we can integrate a robotic device in the field with a 3D immersive visualisation centre in one institution and a ship simulator in another, while offering support to the device throughout. The laboratory makes this possible by providing a common data hub that each component of the experiment can access in real time. 
Allowing researchers and businesses to develop and test prototypes – whether virtual or physical – in a virtual environment.
This virtual environment not only ensures the reduction of cost, time, and risk, but even lets us perform experiments that would not be possible in a real environment because of regulatory, operational or other barriers. 
Creating exciting opportunities for research and development in the marine field. 
We are already leveraging the power of this new facility in such areas as port development, maritime carbon budgeting, offshore renewables, clean maritime, maritime autonomy, and cyber security. 
Launched in parallel with the inauguration of the new Dynamic Positioning Simulator. 
We are working towards extending this virtual environment within the University's new engineering and design facility, with an Immersive Visualisation Centre and a 6DF platform already on the roadmap for integration. 

The Dynamic Positioning Simulator – an unparalleled opportunity 

The new University of Plymouth Dynamic Positioning Simulator offers unique integration capabilities that makes it an invaluable and powerful tool for research and the development of technologies in the marine field, including marine renewable energy, craft design, autonomy, clean maritime, and maritime infrastructure.
This new simulator is currently engaged within the project in research that will provide a better understanding of the operational needs for maritime infrastructure in the region and that will potentially bring more sustainable maritime operations.
Side view of Dynamic Positioning Simulator
View of modelling objects using Dynamic Positioning Simulator 

Experiment in a safe environment

  • The new simulator can accurately model any maritime geographical area in the world, including terrain data, tides and currents, and a wide range of environmental conditions, from wind and sea state to precipitation and ice.
  • High levels of visibility and integration during simulation make it possible to read and interact numerically with most parameters and data values in real time. Simulation capabilities extend to hydrodynamic models and objects, allowing us to create new craft that appear realistic and exhibit accurate hydrodynamic and aerodynamic functionality. Objects, including buoys, ropes, cables, chains, winches, anchors and docks, can interact appropriately with the simulated environment and with each other.

Access for business

If you are the owner of a business or other organisation looking to reduce risk, time and cost in your research and development with the use of virtual environments, we would like to hear from you.
Call us on +44 1752 588910
If you are a businesses or other organisation looking to reduce risk, time and cost in your research and development with the use of virtual environments, we would like to hear from you.
 

Meet the team

 

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

The Dynamic Positioning Simulator has been established through the University of Plymouth’s involvement in the Cornwall Floating Offshore Wind Accelerator (CFA) project.  
Led by Celtic Sea Power Ltd and supported by a grant of £4.8m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Programme, the CFA project will support Cornwall’s ambitions to take a leading role in the global floating offshore wind sector.
European Regional Development Fund

Facilities