Optimise maritime R&D with advanced simulation technology
Make better R&D decisions with high‑fidelity maritime simulation. Kongsberg Maritime’s simulator technology enables you to explore, test, and validate concepts in a safe, cost‑efficient virtual environment — long before real‑world execution.
With decades of simulation expertise, we help organisations improve safety, sustainability, and operational performance across a wide range of maritime research and development projects.
Make confident R&D decisions - before going to sea
The maritime industry is evolving rapidly, driven by digitalisation, increased safety requirements, and the need to reduce emissions. Simulation allows you to evaluate complex scenarios, test new ideas, and optimise operations without risk to people, assets, or the environment. Our high‑accuracy simulators are ideally suited for:
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Feasibility studies and concept validation
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Pre‑mission planning and operational analysis
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Research projects spanning technology, operations, and human performance
Key R&D applications enabled by simulation
Streamline maritime operations
Use K‑Sim Navigation and K‑Sim Offshore to test, optimise, and verify marine operations in advance. Simulation helps identify operational limits, improve procedures, and ensure safer execution before real‑world deployment.
Optimise fuel efficiency and energy use
K‑Sim Engine supports R&D projects focused on fuel consumption, power management, and emissions reduction. Simulate different fuel types, machinery configurations, and operating profiles to support informed design and operational decisions.
Reduce risk from human error
Human factors play a critical role in maritime safety. Our simulators support studies of situational awareness, decision‑making, fatigue, stress, teamwork, and communication.
Simulation environments can also be extended with tools such as eye‑tracking to support advanced research, and are well suited for Human‑Machine Interface (HMI) studies — including bridge layouts and remote operation centres.
Cybersecurity awareness and resilience
K‑Sim simulators include functionality to support cybersecurity research and training. This includes simulating events such as GPS spoofing, helping crews and operators understand system impacts and develop effective responses.
Virtual prototyping and “ship zero” studies
Simulation enables full virtual prototyping of vessels — including bridge, engine room, and control systems. Crews can be trained and prepared before a vessel is delivered, while researchers can evaluate concepts that are impractical or unsafe to test in real life, such as advanced oil‑spill response scenarios.
Advanced simulation for complex research challenges
Autonomous and remote vessel operations
Simulation is essential for autonomous vessel R&D. K‑Sim enables virtual prototyping, testing of real control systems, and “what‑if” scenario analysis to assess operational possibilities and limitations. Simulators are also used to train remote‑control centre operators and support class approval processes.
Digital twins for data‑driven optimisation
Create digital twin models of vessels or maritime projects to run simulated scenarios under varying operational conditions. Results can be benchmarked against real‑world data to calibrate models, optimise performance, and support real‑time decision‑making — for example in trim and power management studies.
Port and fairway development
Simulation reduces risk in port and fairway design projects. By modelling vessels, environments, and hydrodynamic effects, developers gain early insights into safety, efficiency, and operability — helping avoid costly changes later in the project lifecycle.
Safe testing of demanding marine operations
Test vessel behaviour across different weather, sea states, and operational scenarios in a controlled environment. Simulation allows operators and engineers to understand system behaviour, verify safety margins, and define operational limits before execution.