Bringing the Future to Present with the Virtual Reality Nautical Marvel
The Den Helder combat support ship may still be under construction, but thanks to the ingenuity of shipbuilder Damen Naval, its crew can already familiarize themselves with their future maritime home. In an unprecedented move, the company has crafted an immersive virtual reality (VR) copy of the ship for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s Materieel & IT Command. The aim is to shift the ‘Know your ship within 24 hours’ narrative to ‘Know your ship 24 hours before boarding,’ points out Arjan Risseeuw, the Project Director at Damen Naval.
Designed from the detailed 3D schematics created using the advanced Cadmatic software, the VR model enables you to traverse every inch of the ship virtually, taking in the steel structure, pipes, cableways, and equipment – all while the actual ship is still being constructed.
A Collaborative Venture to Aid Training
The project, which is a culmination of a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Defence’s maritime simulation center, represents a unique endeavor within the maritime sector. Following the completion of the VR package, it was handed over to the COMMIT, who then passed on this virtual marvel to the Royal Netherlands Navy. The latter plans to incorporate this digital twin into their training module, allowing new crew members to gain a precise understanding of the ship’s layout and operations before setting foot on board.
“Such a tool can also prove invaluable for training maintenance engineers and security personnel,” points out Captain Lieutenant at Sea Stefjan Veenstra, the Commander of CSS Den Helder. The VR model also provides the opportunity for remote planning and pre-emptive operational adjustments which were traditionally done on-board.
Scaling Virtual Heights with Innovative Solutions
Creating this comprehensive virtual rendition of the ship was a cornucopia of complex technical challenges. Björn Mes, Damen Naval’s Technical Specialist VR, admits that their team had to push the boundaries of existing hardware and software capabilities to envision and execute this model. “We’ve never embarked on a VR project of this scale before. It was strenuous at times, but the end result is truly rewarding.”
Another contributing factor to the project’s success was the utilization of an in-house toolchain, specially developed to streamline and expedite the VR construction process. By integrating the 3D software’s models and metadata, a significant chunk of time was saved, neatly displaying the effectiveness of automation in design and VR construction.
A Vision for the Future
Set for sea trials in early 2024 and due for deliverance later the same year, the Den Helder provides a promising preview of the pivotal role VR can play in the maritime sector, especially in the training and operational planning processes. The Royal Netherlands Navy will be making its own contributions to the ship and is expected to commission the vessel in 2025, signaling yet another milestone in the Navy’s, and indeed, the maritime industry’s journey towards a future underlined by digital optimization and virtual reality.
