story by JB
JB on the scene, January 16, 2015, at the Grand Opening of KONGSBERG MARITIME SIMULATION…the company tenants “Determined, Innovative, Collaborative, Reliable” and now they are located in an awesome new building at 170 Leonard Drive, Groton. Clayton Burry, the Vice-President of Sales and Acting General Manager for the Americas, was the master of ceremonies. Henry Tremblay, President of the Americas, and Ole Gunnar Hvamb, Executive Vice President, Emerging Business Division, spoke proudly of the company’s humble beginnings 200 years ago to a multinational KONGSBERG Gruppen, with operations in over 25 countries, and a commitment to supporting local companies. US Congressman Joe Courtney, 2nd District, was on hand at the ceremony to praise the work of Kongsberg, and emphasize that this company is an example of great thing happening in the region. The Reverend David Rider, President and Executive Director of The Seamen’s Church Institute, New York, NY, was not only on hand for a blessing, but to boast of Kongsberg’s excellence in the field of maritime simulators.
So you may by now wonder what a maritime simulation system is exactly. Well, I for one, was blown away by the demonstration we were shown. The equipment is set up and actually simulates either the bridge of a vessel, the engine room of a ocean going freighter, ship, or tugboat, an off-shore crane or well drilling rig, and even an apparatus that would have secured the BP oil well in the Gulf. How about Kongsberg developing a simulator that the US Government requires there to be certification on in the event of another catastrophe. The regulations also require regular periodic recertification on the Kongsberg Maritime Simulation Systems. It was incredible for me to be standing behind a simulator that depicted the Thames River , the Gold Star Memorial Bridge, Ledge Light, like it was real life. The windows of the ships bridge were monitors showing the real live scenery. These systems can be modified to any situation, condition, location, time of day. Amazing would be an understatement in describing what Kongsberg Maritime Simulation is capable of developing and putting in the field, and there new facility in right in Groton. Economic development doesn’t get any better than this folks!
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