Article

Next-level shiphandling simulation using VR

by Captain, MSc. Remko Fehr - published on 13 December 2023 - 6127 -

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 British Ports Association Eyeing up Autonomous shipping possibilities

published on 26 August 2020

The British Ports Association has launched a new initiative looking at the implications of autonomous shipping for UK ports, including a call for evidence from interested parties. Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) involves the automation of vessel and onboard processes which could alter how ports and ships interface with each other. The BPA which represents the majority of UK port activity including 85% of the shipping movements in and out of the country, is keen to explore what the future developments of shipping will mean for the sector.

Video New Pilot Boat for Finnpilot Pilotage: "Bon Voyage PILOT L247"

published on 8 October 2020

Saying goodbye to our new built vessels are never easy. This pilot boat is the 16th delivered to Finnpilot Pilotage by Kewatec AluBoat.

Opinion The IMPA Pilot Ladder Poster: Suggestions for Improvements

by Arie Palmers - published on 31 December 2020

In this article I would like to share my thoughts on this pilot ladder poster. Is it as good as we think or is there room for improvement? By taking you through this poster step by step I hope to explain what needs to be changed to make it similar to IMO an SOLAS regulations.

Video Baltic Workboats Steams into the U.S. Pilot Boat Market

published on 29 January 2026

Based in Estonia, Baltic Workboats is a long-tenured boatbuilder for multiple markets, including the demanding pilot boat sector. Late in 2025 in New Orleans BWB debuted a new hybrid electric 17m model, a boat that leans on more than 15 years of accrued experience building larger hybrid electric vessels. Carl Mahler, BWB’s North American sales lead and a harbor pilot himself, discussed with Maritime Reporter TV the value proposition offered by the shipyard, from manufacturing process to...

Article Study: "Performance assessment in full-scale simulators"

published on 14 July 2021

Study from 2020: Precise assessment of complex maritime navigation requires reliable and valid assessment frameworks. The purpose of this research was to examine the reliability and validity of the proposed CAPA-tool.