The West Gulf Maritime Association and Port Houston held an unveiling ceremony for two new crane simulators July 26.

The simulator equipment will support the workforce and train operators in the trade, giving them real-time experience moving and loading shipping containers and offer a place to practice operations.

The simulators are an educational and business contribution developed from a partnership of members of the local maritime community.

Designed by GlobalSim, a company that specializes in simulation, the premium level simulators are configured with a 3 DOF motion base and offer high fidelity training with authentic controls, a student database and an instructor station.

“This project is a symbol of our partnership for progress,” said Shareen Larmond, president of West Gulf Maritime Association.

Port Commissioner Clyde Fitzgerald and Port Houston Executive Roger Guenther also commended the teamwork. 

The simulators are expected to help the port continue to expand its container business. Port Houston handled nearly 2.5 million TEUs in 2017.