SMPK unveils a cutting-edge simulator for river pilots, enhancing training and safety in India’s oldest operational port.

The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), inaugurated a state-of-the-art river navigation simulator on Thursday, aimed at revolutionising maritime training and operations. Chairman Rathendra Raman presided over the launch, with Professor Murali K of IIT Madras also in attendance.

The simulator, designed for high-fidelity, realistic training, enables river pilots, masters, and maritime professionals to handle vessels under challenging conditions without boarding them. SMPK, the only riverine major port in India and the oldest operational port, faces unique navigational challenges along the 232 km riverine route from the sea to the Kolkata Dock System (KDS).

“This simulator is the first of its kind in India for river pilotage and will significantly reduce the training period for new pilots while enhancing their decision-making and familiarity with SMPK’s complex tidal conditions and congested channels,” said an SMPK spokesperson.

Installed at a cost of ₹60 lakh by Applied Research International (ARI) under IIT Madras’ guidance, the simulator also incorporates hydrographical data from SMPK for realistic navigation scenarios. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience, making night navigation and river operations safer and more efficient.

The facility will also support research in port operations and vessel movement optimisation, further positioning SMPK as a leader in maritime training and navigation safety. SMPK’s navigation channel, one of the longest in the world, requires meticulous maintenance and monitoring, which the simulator will help improve through advanced R&D efforts.

This initiative underscores SMPK’s commitment to advancing maritime infrastructure and operational excellence in India.

(Source: Sakshi Post)