Greek shipping company Capital Group and Danish digitalisation developer Force Technology have partnered to create what is described as Europe’s first Extended Reality (XR) full mission bridge simulator.
This initiative is considered to represent a major advancement in maritime training, combining new technology with long expertise, as well as enhancing sustainability by avoiding the need for crews to travel elsewhere for training.
The simulator will be housed at Capital Group’s training facility at the port of Chios Island, Greece, which is scheduled to open in 2025. The facility is designed to enhance seafarers’ skills, and reinforce Capital Group’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and maritime leadership.
Panagiotis Drosos, COO Capital Ship Management, said: “This project underscores our steadfast dedication to driving innovation and excellence in maritime training, with a strong focus on safe and sustainable operations. By embracing cutting-edge XR technology, we are empowering our seafarers to meet the dynamic challenges of the maritime industry, while reinforcing Greece’s position as a leader on the global maritime stage.”
Leveraging over 50 years of Force Technology’s experience in simulation systems, the training equipment incorporates advanced XR headsets with features like eye tracking to deliver focused, efficient, and realistic training.
Stelios Koukouvios, Global Business Development Manager, Force Technology, said: “Our new SimFlex simulator sets a new benchmark for operational training. By embedding real vessel equipment into a virtual bridge environment, we provide an unmatched experience of precision and immersion. This technology also enables global teams to train together in shared scenarios, unlocking exciting possibilities for collaboration.”
The system’s design features a fully green-screened environment, integrating real bridge equipment supplied by Furuno Hellas, such as the latest models of ECDIS and Chart Radar systems, with a high-fidelity virtual landscape to create a realistic and immersive training experience.
In addition to its technical innovations, the XR simulator minimises environmental impact by reducing energy consumption and the need for travel. It offers flexible remote training options, reshaping maritime training and aligning technological innovation with sustainability and global connectivity.
Image: Capital Group’s Force XR simulator (source: Capital Group)
