Article

Next-level shiphandling simulation using VR

by Captain, MSc. Remko Fehr - published on 13 December 2023 - 5157 -

Show comment section |

Kiel Pilots introducing Morild Interaktiv AS Virtual Reality Simulator for next-level manoeuvring training

With the support from the German Waterway Authorities (WSV) and the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) we have been able to establish the VR test case for Germany.

Digital twin of our pilotage area with un-paralelled accuracy, based on official topographic, 3D buildings and high-density bathymetric data.
Voice control of the VR simulator for helmsman, tugboat and linesman. We call it the “Morild-Siri”. Controlling the simulator without instructor intervention.
The voice control of manoeuvring elements is a perfect fit for pilot training, while manual operation is always possible.
Full immersion through stereoscopic vision of the VR headset, enabling a whole new range of visual simulator scenarios. Including bearing compass connected to the ECDIS.
Integration of real-time AIS traffic, as well as tidal data.

While most exercises on conventional simulators end when the vessel is in a steady-state 30 meters from the pier, our VR simulator setup enables manoeuvres all the way alongside. Including realistic line handling.

At the Lotsenbrüderschaft NOKII/Kiel/Lübeck/Flensburg (Kiel Pilots) we have been testing VR solutions for the past three years. With Morild Interaktiv AS we have found an excellent fit for pilotage organizations.

Kiel Pilot Remko Fehr says:
"A big thank you to Olav-Rasmus Vorren and his team for their fantastic work.We are excited to be part of this evolution in maritime training!"

Watch the detailed video about the project here:

Video: Kiel Pilots using VR for next-level shiphandling simulation

For more information about the project, you can contact Capt. Pilot Remko Fehr directly via his profile (see Member Profile below).

Lotsenbrüderschaft NOK II
Kiel / Lübeck / Flensburg

Author: Captain, MSc. Remko Fehr Member

PPU, Simulator Training active marine pilot - Lotsenbrüderschaft NOK II Kiel / Lübeck / Flensburg

15 years experience in the cruise industry in various ranks up to Captain. Started as Marine Pilot in 2015.

Visit member profile

What's your opinion on this?

Video How Ship Anchor Works? - Procedure For Anchoring a Ship at Sea

published on 11 July 2020

#Anchor #shipanchor #windlass Anchoring is one of the very frequent operations onboard ships. A number of variables and external factors influence the duration and location of an anchoring operation. While the type of seabed is of utmost importance during anchoring, soft muddy grounds or clay bottoms are best preferred. It should be taken care that the anchoring bottom is free of power lines, submarine cables, pipelines or rocks. Various methods on anchoring include consideration of...

Video Critical Ship navigation done with perfection

published on 31 January 2022

Video Kiel Pilots using VR for next-level shiphandling simulation

by Captain, MSc. Remko Fehr - published on 13 December 2023

Kiel Pilots introducing Morild Interaktiv AS Virtual Reality Simulator for next-level manoeuvring training

Article Best practice on rigging pilot ladders (UK MAIB)

published on 7 July 2022

On the occasion of the Maritime Safety Week (July 4-10), UK MAIB’s inspector Bill Evans refers to the issue of unsafe pilot ladders, a concern that has been regularly voiced by the industry.

Video Why Can't Ships Reverse Around Corners?

published on 20 September 2024

This video explores the question of why ships are so difficult to manoeuvre in reverse.

Video Characteristic Diagrams for ship behaviour under Wind Impact

published on 12 April 2021

This movie shows how to create the Characteristic Diagram for Wind effect on ships and limits of steerability under strong wind. It uses the previous demos made with the SAMMON Planning Software on turning tendency of ships on straight track and in turning motion.

Video Shiphandling: Pivot Point and Transverse Thrust

published on 22 May 2022

Gavin Buchanan on YouTube: "Some of the best Ship Handling videos available online. Studying for my Master 3000 and have found these videos incredibly helpful. Thank you for making these free for students!"

Article New Study on GNSS Interference in the Baltic Sea

by GPSPATRON Sp. z o. o. - published on 12 March 2025

GNSS interference has become a growing challenge in the Baltic Sea, affecting maritime navigation, aviation, and critical infrastructure. While numerous datasets and services, such as gpsjam.org, spoofing.skai-data-services.com, and flightradar24, report high-altitude GNSS interference based on ADS-B data, there is a significant lack of studies focusing on ground-level interference.

Article Port of Antwerp using drone for pollution monitoring

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 5 November 2020

Port authorities in Antwerp, Belgium, are making use of EMSA’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) to support their day-to-day monitoring of port operations and rapid response to pollution incidents in the port area. The RPAS will enable the authorities to inspect at a distance their complex port environment which extends over an area of some 120km².

Article Gladding-Hearn Builds New Class of Launch for Maryland Pilots

published on 26 July 2021

The Association of Maryland Pilots has taken delivery of a new class of pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. Called the “Baltimore Class” after the pilots’ base of operations at the Port of Baltimore.