“An RTG- or straddle carrier driver will feel the bumps, gutters and rails as he drives over the terminal area, and perhaps slides on a patch of ice or an oil leakage.”
STS Gantry Crane
The following is a general outline of the features and capabilities that can be simulated in the hiCRANE Port STS gantry crane simulator module.
The STS gantry crane module provides a realistic view of both the crane super-structure, lifting gear, vessels and environment as seen from the operator’s position. The wire swing looks natural and skills are required to properly control swing and positioning. Realistic movements from trolley, travel and hoisting as well as sounds of drives, engines and collisions add to the impression of realism.
The quay side and rails of the terminal area is specifically adapted to the STS gantry crane’s dimensions and allows training to be performed in any and all of the vessels’ stacking areas, both on and under deck.
Logistics tasks can be set up for all containers and control the movement of containers in training situations. Vehicles follow directions from the logistics tasks and come to pick up or deliver containers in a timely fashion. The operator reads logistics tasks on a display in the cabin to figure out which container to move and where to move it.
STS container gantry cranes
Many types of STS container gantry cranes have been developed for the hiCRANE simulator: small barge/ feeder cranes and large super post panamax cranes. Some are based on Noell mono-box cranes, others simulate ZPMC dual-box cranes.
The cranes are equipped with telescoping twin-lift centre spreaders based on models from RAM and Bromma. Tandem crane modules based on ZPMC’s models are available for 2×40’ or 4×20’ lifts.
Cranes can be equipped with Ramshorn/lifting beam with hook connected to headblock instead of spreader to perform heavy break-bulk lifts, like large oversized cargo, yacht lifts, etc.
RTG Crane
The following is a general outline of the features and capabilities that can be simulated in the hiCRANE Port RTG simulator module. The generic RTG module incorporates most of the basic characteristics shared by modern RTGs.
The highly configurable hiCRANE Port software components allow many manufacturers’ RTGs to be emulated simply by changing parameters in configuration files (e.g. speeds, accelerations and limits) even though the model then looks different. Further adaptations to simulate specific RTG types or models involve making new 3D visual models of the crane to make it look the same and have exactly the same physical dimensions as the real RTG. For instance, the visual model dimension naturally determines the maximum stacking height and width of the RTG.
The RTG module provides a realistic view of the super-structure, lifting gear, lanes vehicles, containers and environment as seen from the operator’s position. The wire swing looks natural and skills are required to properly control swing and positioning. Realistic movements from trolley, travel and hoisting as well as sounds of drives, engines and collisions, add to the impression of realism.
The RTG terminal area is specifically adapted to the RTGs dimensions and allows training to be performed in any and all stacking areas. Logistics tasks can be set up for all containers and control the movement of containers in training situations. Vehicles follow directions from the logistics tasks and come to pick up or deliver containers in a timely fashion. The operator reads logistics tasks on a display in the cabin to figure out which container to move and where to move it.
RMG Cranes
The following is a general outline of the features and capabilities that can be simulated in the hiCRANE Port RMG simulator module. The generic RMG module incorporates most of the basic characteristics shared by modern RMGs.
The highly configurable hiCRANE Port software components allow many manufacturers’ RMGs to be emulated simply by changing parameters in configuration files on the instructor station (e.g. speeds, accelerations and limits) even though the model then looks different. Further adaptations to simulate specific RMG types or models involve making new 3D visual models of the crane to make it look the same and have exactly the same physical dimensions as the real RMG. For instance, the visual model dimension naturally determines the maximum stacking height and width of the RMG.
The RMG module provides a realistic view of the super-structure, lifting gear, lanes vehicles, containers and environment as seen from the operator’s position. The wire swing looks natural and skills are required to properly control swing and positioning. Realistic movements from trolley, travel and hoisting as well as sounds of drives, engines and collisions, add to the impression of realism.
The RMG terminal area is specifically adapted to the RMGs dimensions and allows training to be performed in any and all stacking areas. Logistics tasks can be set up for all containers and control the planned movement of containers in training situations. Vehicles follow directions from the logistics tasks and arrive to pick up or deliver containers in a timely fashion. The operator reads logistics tasks on a display in the cabin to figure out which container to move and where to move it.
General types
The initial version of the RMG module is based on a Doosan RMG with 28.4m rail span, as delivered to the Pusan Newport Container (PNC) Terminal. Other types can easily be adapted as explained above.
Straddle carrier
The following is a general outline of the features and capabilities that can be simulated in the hiCRANE Port straddle carrier simulator module. The generic straddle carrier carries many of the characteristics shared by most modern straddle carriers. It is based on the Nelcon HS-3 and HS-4 models, which are accurately modelled.
Combined with the highly configurable hiCRANE Port software modules, many other manufacturers’ straddle carrier models can be easily incorporated into the simulator by changing straddle carrier configuration parameters.
Further customization is possible by accurately modelling a specific manufacturer’s carrier, creating a 3D model as well as a dynamic model, and using these models for the simulation. Even further, Oiltec Solutions can undertake a full simulation of a manufacturer specific carrier, using that carriers native control system and cabin.
Our software handles straddle carriers capable of stacking both three and four containers high, and has been designed to accommodate carrier models with varying capabilities and of various sizes.
Mobile harbour Crane
The following is a general outline of the features and capabilities that can be simulated in the hiCRANE Port mobile harbour crane simulator module. The generic mobile harbour crane carries many of the characteristics shared by most modern mobile harbour cranes, such as Gottwald and Liebherr. Combined with the highly configurable hiCRANE Port software components, many manufacturers’ cranes can be easily incorporated into the simulator by the customer by changing crane parameters.
Further customization is possible by modelling a specific manufacturer crane and using that for the simulation.
Even further, we can undertake a full simulation of a manufacturer specific crane, making a mock-up of that very specific control system and cabin.
The generic hiCRANE Port simulator control system is built such that all, or much of the functionality is moved from buttons and lamp indicators on the armrests to a generic touch screen Operator Control Application, keeping only joysticks and essential start-up controls on the armrests. This approach is very flexible and allows upgrades to different types or models with ease.
Our software handles both container and bulk mobile harbour cranes, and has been designed to accommodate cranes with varying capabilities and of various sizes.
Portal Jib Crane
The following is a general outline of the features and capabilities that can be simulated in the hiCRANE Port portal jib crane simulator module. The generic portal jib crane module incorporates many of the characteristics shared by most single jib portal cranes. Its design and capabilities are based on a 30-ton Figee single jib crane with a 37m outreach.
Figure 1 Portal jib cranes with hook and spreader
Combined with the highly configurable hiCRANE Port software components, other manufacturers’ single jib cranes can be easily incorporated into the simulator by changing crane configuration parameters.
Further customization is possible by making a new 3D model and a new dynamic model for a specific manufacturer’s crane and using that for the simulation Examples of customization can be knuckle boom cranes, lemniscate cranes or other types.
Even further, Oiltec Solutions can undertake a full simulation of manufacturer’s specific crane models, interfacing their respective control systems and using their specific cabins.
Our software handles both container and grab portal jib cranes, and has been designed to accommodate cranes with varying capabilities and of various sizes.
Figure 2 Portal jib bulk cranes