-- Developed under independent program --
TOKYO - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL, President: Akimitsu Ashida) today announced the introduction of an independently developed turbine plant simulator for LNG carriers at the company's training institute in Tamachi, Minato-ku, Tokyo. This is the world's first full-scale turbine plant simulator reproducing the operating conditions and sounds of an actual engine.
The simulator will provide more effective training and ensure operating safety, a key corporate principle for MOL, which is the world's leading LNG transport company.
The simulator exactly recreates the engine room of the LNG carrier Al Zubarah, with about 100 square meters of floor space. It provides training updates for experienced officers, as well as initial training for mariners new to LNG carrier operations.
The turbine plant simulator consists of the following equipment: plasma screens (five), valve operating panel, main engine side operating panel, generator turbine/water feed pump side operating panel, boiler side operating panel, generator control panel, engine control consol, boiler operating panel, boiler/main engine control panel/auxiliary machinery group starter panel, and desks for instructors. Wherever possible, the simulator equipment is exactly the same as that found aboard an advanced LNG carrier.
Currently, most ships use diesel engines because of their superior fuel efficiency. But LNG carriers are powered by turbine engines, which run on LNG that evaporates during shipment. The new simulator will ensure safe operation of LNG carriers by providing top-quality training for mariners who otherwise have little opportunity to work with actual turbine plants. It also allows them to practice emergency response and accident prevention techniques, as well as basic day-to-day operations, through MOL's exclusive training system.
A boiler in the turbine plant generates steam to turn the vessel's propeller. Feed water, fuel (heavy oil and LNG), and steam are adjusted with valves. Understanding the piping system and the precise operation of valves are basic elements to ensure safe operation of LNG carriers. As trainees operate the simulator valves, they can track the system's operation of a large plasma screen that shows a three-dimensional diagram. At the same time, they hear the actual sounds of operation, creating a realistic training environment. Another feature allows trainees to see larger view of specific parts of the system simply by touching the plasma screen.
The system is also linked to the current MOL-developed cargo handling simulator, allowing comprehensive training in LNG carrier operations.
Each piece of equipment is connected to two instructor's computers, allowing the instructors to select from a range of training situations. The computer has various features such as a "hold" function that allows the instructor to stop program when further instruction is needed, a "replay" function that can replay a training session from a designated point, a "repeat" function, and a "virtual trouble generation" function.
In addition, the institute has PC based simulators that trainees can use to study on their own, inside or outside the institute. MOL is now considering the installation of this simulator in its overseas training centers.
For further information, please contact:
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Akinori Kawahara
Ship Management Group, Marine Management Division
Tel: 81-3-3587-7059
Fax: 81-3-3587-7772
E-mail: sfgmo@mail.mol.co.jp
Masanori Kobayashi
Engineering Group, Marine Management Division
Tel: 81-3-3587-7311
Fax: 81-3-3587-7723
E-mail: mremo@mail.mol.co.jp