Boat landing installation tool (BLIT) expanded with simulator

In addition to this upgrade, which was also electrically performed by MSA-Service, a simulator for the BLIT has been developed to support the operators.

Previously, MSA-Service provided the complete electrical installation and control of this boat landing installation tool on behalf of TMS. At the time, Van Oord, the client and users of the BLIT, has completed a successful project with the tool. The current monopiles are getting bigger and bigger, and to be able to continue providing them with a boat landing, an upgrade has been performed.

In addition to this upgrade, which was also electrically performed by MSA-Service, a simulator for the BLIT has been developed to support the operators.

For the simulator, MSA-Service provided the control software. For the physics simulator and the 3D animations, a collaboration with Controllab was established.

The training simulator is integrated into the BLIT's operator panel. Operators can switch between "simulation mode" and operate a simulated machine and "normal control" and then control the real machine. The simulator is based on physics and faithfully displays pressures, speeds and other variables. The simulator fills the camera screens with super realistic 3D animations. This gives the operator the feeling that he is working on the real machine.

Arjan Blok of Van Oord explains the importance of this simulator: "training operators with the simulator a big advantage. A test set-up where a boat landing can actually be placed on part of a foundation is only available for a limited time, and no conditions can be simulated in the process. Now that we have a simulator, we can not only introduce operators to the tool but also give them experience in installing boat landings. With that, the operators are already familiar with the tool and with the process and an actual installation will be easier and can be performed with more confidence." 

During the construction and upgrade of this offshore wind tool and simulator, different disciplines of MSA-Service have come together. These include subsea sensors, controls and automation in addition to subsea electrical installations.

The client and user of the BLIT is Van Oord, a leading marine ingenuity.

The tool was designed and implemented by TMS, a no-nonsense developer and manufacturer of solutions in the mechanical engineering field.

And for the simulator, there was intensive collaboration with Controllab.