DHI announces a major leap forward in maritime simulation with the integration of FORCE Technology Singapore’s advanced assets into its Navigation Simulation Centre. This upgrade allows users to experience the future of maritime risk assessment by transforming traditional 2D views into a fully immersive 3D experience — putting them right on the virtual bridge to navigate real-time, lifelike marine environments with unmatched realism.

Modelling marine and coastal environments worldwide
Strategically located in Singapore, DHI’s Navigation Simulation Centre is ideally positioned to support the region’s expanding port and maritime infrastructure. Its advanced capabilities, however, extend well beyond the region, enabling support for clients and projects on a global scale.

Through seamless integration with DHI’s MIKE Powered by DHI software, the Centre can simulate marine and coastal environments anywhere in the world, incorporating site-specific wave, current and wind conditions. This global adaptability allows DHI to effectively support port authorities, marine engineers, shipping companies and regulatory agencies in both proactive planning and real-time maritime risk assessment.

Mamta Jain, DHI’s Vice President for Marine & Coast Asia, highlights the launch of DHI’s Navigation Simulation Centre as a transformative step forward — expanding our ability to deliver integrated, high-value maritime consultancy services worldwide.

‘This Centre is a strategic expansion of our capabilities, combining cutting-edge simulation technology with deep industry expertise. It allows us to provide precise risk assessments for ports, offshore wind farms and oil & gas projects, while also enhancing pilot and tug master training, emergency response planning, cruise navigation and incident reconstruction,' says Mamta.

By strengthening operational resilience and skills development, DHI is empowering clients — including port authorities, energy developers, regulators and insurers — to navigate today’s complex maritime environment with confidence and safety. 

DHI’s Senior Marine Scientist, Theophilus Teo, emphasises the Centre’s unique value in transforming risk management through immersive simulation:

‘The Navigation Simulation Centre provides an unparalleled, real-time insight into navigational challenges, enabling stakeholders to anticipate and mitigate risks in highly dynamic marine environments. This proactive approach not only enhances operational safety but also supports strategic decision-making to optimise efficiency and resilience.’

The Navigation Centre allows you to: 

• Validate port layouts and waterway designs
  Manoeuvre simulated ships through new environments to determine their viability and assess risk. 
• Investigate limiting operating conditions
  Test the safety of operational limits by iterating through different combinations of environment, port and ship resources and emergency scenarios.
• Optimise multi-vessel operating procedures
  Run coupled simulations involving multiple ships and tugs, supported by experienced tug masters, to refine manoeuvring strategies and reduce operational bottlenecks.
• Make evidence-based decisions with expert support
  Leverage the expertise of master mariners, pilots and simulation engineers to interpret simulation results, refine designs or procedures, and conduct training.
• Access accurate and validated ship behaviour models
  Use a comprehensive database of tested ship models and the DEN-Mark1 hydrodynamic model to ensure simulation realism.
• Seamless coupling with MIKE suite
  Simulate ship behaviour in realistic 2D and 3D environments driven by currents and waves built with MIKE.

In addition, the Centre supports pilot training in realistic scenarios, helping crews build familiarity with new ports, vessels or conditions using full-mission simulators that accurately replicate ship behaviour under a range of environmental effects.

The launch of the Navigation Simulation Centre marks a step forward in how complex marine operations and navigational risks are assessed. As global maritime activity increases and port environments grow more complex, such simulation technologies are becoming an essential tool for improving planning, safety and operational efficiency across the industry.

Look out for updates on DHI's LinkedIn page.