Last Updated on October 1, 2024 by PALFINGER
Following our successful presence at the SMM, PALFINGER MARINE returned to Hamburg, ready for more action – this time at the WindEnergy. With offshore wind energy booming, it’s no surprise the event has become an important platform for PALFINGER MARINE to showcase new solutions and products. This year’s event, marking its 10th anniversary, was no exception. From 24 to 27 September, PALFINGER MARINE shared some exciting news.
Introducing the VR Training Simulator
One of the most exciting moments at the WindEnergy was the exclusive introduction of PALFINGER’s collaboration with RelyOn: a new VR training simulator. As operators of wind cranes must be rigorously trained to handle complex situations in extreme environmental conditions, providing realistic and effective training is essential. Meeting international standards requires operators to complete a qualification program every two years, yet real-world training for these high-risk scenarios can be challenging.
The symbolic handover of a PALFINGER VR1 training simulator at WindEnergy Hamburg (from left to right): Lars Brenne, Managing Director Central Europe RelyOn; Torben Harring, CEO RelyOn; Hubert Wallner, Head of Digital Product Line PALFINGER; Klaus Schreiber, VP Sales & Service PALFINGER MARINE; Per Christoffersen, Crane Specialist RelyOn.
To tackle these demands, PALFINGER, in partnership with RelyOn, the leading provider of multi-service and qualification training, has developed training courses using the new VR simulator. This innovative solution provides offshore wind farm operators with a highly realistic virtual environment to practice maneuvers safely, offering an unparalleled level of training simulation.
“Thanks to our cooperation, RelyOn can now include scenarios that could not be trained before.” said Klaus Schreiber, Vice President Sales & Service PALFINGER MARINE who was present at the WindEnergy to attend the symbolic handover of the simulator.
If you are able to operate the crane on our VR training simulators, you can also confidently control the real crane at the wind farm.
Klaus Schreiber, Vice President Sales & Service at PALFINGER MARINE
The simulator includes two models of PALFINGER MARINE cranes, PALTRONIC control electronics, and the PALFINGER radio remote control. Operators can engage in a variety of scenarios that replicate real-world conditions, including dynamic weather and wave simulations. By delivering this cutting-edge virtual training experience, PALFINGER and RelyOn not only ensure safer, more effective training, but also help reduce time and costs, as operators can complete the program anywhere using the VR simulator.
Networking and Innovative Displays
In keeping with our tradition, PALFINGER MARINE created an open meeting space at the WindEnergy, offering visitors and industry peers a place to network and exchange ideas. A key highlight of this year’s display was a full-scale PF120-4. The redesigned PF fixed boom range was launched in 2022 to meet the latest technical requirements of European standards and boasts a compact, modular design. PALFINGER MARINE’s fixed boom cranes, available with electric and manual drive, represent safe and fast material handling solutions for offshore wind platforms. Low in maintenance and reduced in weight, they are impressive, highly reliable performers in all weather conditions.
Also featured at the PALFINGER MARINE booth was a scale model of the Offshore Passenger Transfer System (OPTS). This state-of-the-art 3D compensated system enables the safe and efficient transfer of people and materials between vessels and static offshore installations, such as wind turbines. Designed for versatility, the OPTS is lightweight and can be mounted on smaller vessels, allowing work to be carried out at reduced costs.
The WindEnergy 2024 was an undeniable success for PALFINGER MARINE, highlighting our commitment to advancing technology and safety in the offshore wind industry. From unveiling the revolutionary VR training simulator to showcasing our latest fixed boom crane, we are proud to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation. The positive feedback from industry leaders and visitors only reinforces our mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions. We look forward to building on this momentum and shaping the future of offshore wind together!