The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) commissioned the Maritime Simulation and Expertise Centre (MSRC) to conduct various maneuvers with a large container ship (300 m x 49 m x 10.5 m) on the Quebec City-Montreal section, using a navigation simulator. The maneuvers were performed by pilots from the Corporation des pilotes du Saint-Laurent central (CPSLC). These maneuvers included encounters and overtaking with other vessels, navigation through critical curves, docking and undocking with tugs, sometimes in difficult conditions, as well as emergency maneuvers.

The study was conducted on the Dest Norske Veritas (DNV)-approved Class A full-mission simulator built by Kongsberg. It features a fully integrated bridge, modern instrumentation, and an uninterrupted 360° field of vision.

Exercise Areas

The exercise areas were developed by the MSRC team using database development software. They include all aspects necessary for navigation, including channel bathymetry, navigational aids, and relevant coastal structures. Since the pilots of the CPSLC are regular users of the MSRC, all required exercise areas were previously digitized and validated by them.

Ship Model

At the request of the MPA, the MSRC in-house team of specialists developed a new ship model for this project. The container ship Quebec Heracles (CTCS11) was created according to the specified criteria: 300 m in length, 49 m in width, and 10.5 m in draft. The model was tested, adjusted, and approved by the CPSLC pilots and a pilot from another district, familiar with the operation of this type of vessel.