VSTEP joins Damen for Royal Bahamas Defence Force patrol vessels work

Netherlands-based companies VSTEP and Damen formed a cooperation agreement for the delivery of a Nautis full mission bridge simulator with Alphatron Marine equipment to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

The delivery is part of the Sandy Bottom Project, under which the Bahamian defence force is acquiring a range of Damen patrol vessels, upgrading its existing fleet and developing its port and base infrastructure.

VSTEP, working with Damen Services Training dept., will develop four simulated vessels for use in its custom simulator.

The project will see VSTEP deliver the latest version 3.0 of NAUTIS featuring improved graphics, advanced ship dynamics and increased accuracy and visual fidelity of the sea, allowing for the most realistic training possible.

“The crews of these new vessels will be trained on the simulator for situations which are difficult or dangerous in real life, which makes them well prepared. They can train for ship handling and manoeuvring, and prepare for various operations relevant in their area,” VSTEP CEO Pjotr van Schothorst, said.

The Sandy Bottom Project represents the largest capital investment the Government of the Bahamas has ever made in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force since its inception in 1980. Total cost of the project is $232 million dollars and includes the acquisition of patrol craft, dredging of harbours and the development of bases and port facilities.