Jan De Nul is taking a giant leap in offshore wind farm installation training with two high-tech simulators set to launch at its Aalst office in December. The star of the show is the crane simulator, a digital twin of the company’s newest vessels, Les Alizés and Voltaire. These aren’t your average wind turbines—we’re talking structures with tip heights up to 300 meters and foundations the length of a football field, weighing up to two thousand tons. That’s roughly the weight of five Boeing 747s combined. Installing these behemoths at sea isn’t for the faint-hearted, and Jan De Nul is ensuring its teams are battle-ready through immersive, realistic training.
The crane simulator boasts a seven-meter-wide dome offering a full 360-degree view, plunging operators into the heart of the action as if they were truly at sea. “We train in all possible conditions: changing weather, high waves, seabed subsidence, you name it,” says Stefan Bruggeman, responsible for the simulators at Jan De Nul. This isn’t just about technical prowess; it’s about honing teamwork and communication. Up to four roles that work closely with the crane operator can train simultaneously, operating from separate rooms to iron out any potential bottlenecks before they hit the high seas. This approach not only saves time during project execution but also boosts efficiency and safety on the vessels and worksites.
But Jan De Nul isn’t stopping there. Alongside the crane simulator, the company is introducing a state-of-the-art simulator for its cutter suction dredgers, based on the Willem van Rubroeck, the most powerful cutter suction dredger in its fleet. This simulator allows teams to simulate an entire project, gaining invaluable experience before heading offshore.
This investment in simulators underscores Jan De Nul’s commitment to safety, collaboration, and thorough project preparation. By training employees, clients, and partners in these simulators, the company aims to minimize risks and enhance the efficiency of offshore operations. “Alongside technical skills, we focus heavily on teamwork and communication,” Bruggeman adds.
As Jan De Nul continues to push the boundaries of offshore wind farm installation, it’s also expanding its crew. The company is currently building three new vessels designed to bring energy from wind farms at sea to shore and protect subsea cable connections. To support these developments, Jan De Nul is on the lookout for new colleagues, including specialized engineers, technicians, and operators.
In a rapidly evolving maritime industry, Jan De Nul’s investment in cutting-edge simulators sets a new benchmark for training and safety. By embracing technology and fostering collaboration, the company is not only preparing its teams for the challenges ahead but also shaping the future of offshore operations.