Unique Simulator Supporting Napier Port Expansion

Montreal, QC, October 10, 2014 — New Zealand-based Napier Port has announced that it is acquiring an immersive equipment training simulator from CM Labs Simulations (Montreal, Canada).

CM Labs is providing a high-fidelity Vortex® is a registered trademark of CM Labs, Inc. simulator to simulate key Port Napier equipment, including a mobile harbour crane and a ship’s gear crane. The simulator also replicates the Napier Port operating environment, from its containerized cargo and specialized log and timber cargo to port layout, vehicles, and vessels. The Vortex simulator features seven HD displays for immersive visuals, a crane seat mounted on a 3-degree-of-freedom motion platform, and unique swappable crane controls that replicate actual crane controls.

About Napier Port

Napier Port is New Zealand’s fourth largest container terminal and international seaport. It handles 10% of New Zealand’s total exports by weight In 2014, more than 4.1 million tonnes of goods were handled in total. Over 220,000 TEUs of containers were handled in the same period. Napier Port operates as a fully autonomous, 100%-owned subsidiary of Hawke’s Bay Regional Investment Company (HBRIC).

Vortex simulators set the new standard for training fidelity

Vortex simulators are equipped with sophisticated training tools, including an instructor’s console that allows instructors to introduce simulated faults and malfunctions during training sessions, as well as comprehensive student metrics. “Our goal,” says Napier Port’s Chief Executive, “is to be the safest port in New Zealand.”

“CM Labs,” she says, “have been excellent to work with, and we are looking forward to getting it installed as soon as possible.”

According to Arnold Free, CM Labs’ Chief Operating Officer, “CM Labs has been making major investments in its port equipment training solutions. We have been experiencing rapid growth with many new major port clients in the last year. We are excited to work with our new clients in New Zealand and Australia, and we see great potential—and will continue to invest.”

CM Labs has recently provided a number of Vortex simulators to other port operators in the region, including Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal and Patrick Terminals Port Botany. Vortex is rapidly becoming the new standard for port equipment training in Australia and New Zealand.