Marin Fast Small Ship Simulator.
Motion-powered maritime simulator brings high‑speed craft training into a fully immersive and safe virtual environment.
Information |
Marin | 2023
Wageningen, The Netherlands.
High-end Barco projectoren, Warping & blending, Frames & constructie, Curved screen 220 graden HFoV, Fiber optics signaal interfacing, Control system
Introduction
How can naval and civil maritime crews train for fast craft operations under realistic sea conditions without ever setting foot on open water? MARIN’s Fast Small Ship Simulator (FSSS), developed in partnership with The Storytelling Company, delivers a motion-based training platform designed to replicate high-speed craft experience in a safe, controlled setting.
Challenges
Operating at speeds up to 43 knots, high-speed craft involve rapid maneuvers, unpredictable wave patterns, and intense physical conditions. Training operators in these circumstances is risky and logistically complex. MARIN wanted a simulator that could replicate every nuance, from slamming and broaching to complex system interactions, while remaining accurate, responsive, and operator-friendly.
Solution
TSC integrated a hexapod motion platform with a full-scale RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) cockpit, including authentic steering wheel, throttle, ECDIS navigation, VHF radio, GPS, and seating. The visual environment features a 220-degree curved screen, high-end projection, warping and blending, and fiber-optic controls.
Under the hood, realistic hydrodynamic modeling powered by MARIN’s XMF framework simulates phenomena like planing, capsizing, and surf riding in real-time. Naval experts from the Royal Netherlands Navy collaborated closely to fine-tune controls, visualization cues, and response behaviors, ensuring the simulator feels authentic at every level.
Results
The FSSS now provides a unique, fully immersive training platform for high-speed craft operations. Operators experience accurate vessel handling under challenging conditions, training in handcrafted realism without risk. The simulator bridges the gap between design and operation, enabling smarter ship development, improved safety procedures, and mission rehearsal before real-world deployment.
Ready to bring sea-level realism into your training program?
Let’s create a simulation environment that balances precision, immersion, and safety.