Opportunities and challenges in using ship bridge simulators in maritime research

Ocean industry prospects are addressing core challenges such as food, security, energy and climate change. The ocean holds the promise of great potential for economic growth. Appropriate tools are required for answering the questions of the emerging ocean operations. Questions related to technology development, training, safety and efficiency rise on daily basis. Ship-bridge simulators are ideal arenas for research and innovation. Simulators are used in maritime contexts, mainly in education and training. However not much is published regarding the use of simulators in maritime research. This paper presents a literature review of the use of simulators in maritime research in the recent years. Additionally, it highlights the opportunities and challenges of using simulators in the maritime industry according to interviews held with academics and professionals in the field, in Norway and abroad.