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MAN Energy Solutions has selected Nova Scotia-based simulation and training software developer, Modest Tree, to develop a virtual reality training solution for the engines onboard the Royal Canadian Navy’s new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships under construction at Halifax Shipyard.

The virtual reality training solution, the first of its kind in the marine sector, will train the men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy to operate and maintain the ship’s engines.

Each Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship will be propelled by two MAN Energy Solutions 4.5 megawatt diesel/electric propulsion engines.

MAN Energy Solutions is a subcontractor of GE Canada, the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship Integrated Propulsion System Integrator. In 2015, Irving Shipbuilding, the prime contractor and shipbuilder, selected GE Canada to provide electrical power, propulsion systems, installation and commissioning services for each ice-capable vessel.

MAN Energy Solutions will lead and manage the overall project and provide the technical input necessary. Modest Tree will develop the software application utilizing Modest Tree’s Modest3D software, to ensure that MAN’s engine maintenance program can be effectively and proficiently undertaken by the crew. Ontario-based GasTops will develop a customized engine simulator to drive the Modest Tree application, thereby enabling the application to operate just as the engine would in real life.

The development and delivery of the virtual reality trainer will create ten new full-time jobs in Halifax. MAN Energy Solutions will add three new full-time project management and technical positions, and Modest Tree will create seven new full-time technology positions in software development, adding to their team of 21 currently working in Halifax, NS.

The partnership between MAN Energy Solutions and Modest Tree is part of Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) program. The ITB program ensures that 100% of the value of significant defence contracts like those under the National Shipbuilding Strategy is spent in Canada. It is designed to encourage innovation and growth in Canadian companies.

As part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, Halifax Shipyard is building Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships followed by 15 Canadian Surface Combatants (CSC) over the next 25 years.

Today, the first three Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships, the future Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Harry DeWolf, Margaret Brooke, and Max Bernays are under construction at Irving Shipbuilding’s Halifax Shipyard.

Harry DeWolf was launched on September 15, 2018, and officially named on October 5, 2018.

As of June 30, 2018, Halifax Shipyard has over $2.1 billion in spending commitments throughout Canada as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Irving Shipbuilding continues to promote growth in Canadian industry and this contract is an example of how local Nova Scotian companies are benefiting and growing. 

Quotes

“The signing of this contract marks MAN Energy Solution's move into new enterprise where digitalization is adding to our product line.  This strategic shift is all about providing value to our customers in innovative ways where MAN capitalizes on our existing information and emerging technology.  The Virtual Trainer Contract is our first significant product in this area and we are excited about working with Modest Tree and GasTops to deliver this project to Irving Shipbuilding and the Royal Canadian Navy.  These companies represent the very best in Canadian and Nova Scotian talent - and we feel very fortunate, along with our Canadian team, to be spearheading this significant innovation.” - Wayne Jones, Member of the Executive Board, MAN Energy Solutions

“At Modest Tree we pride ourselves in looking forward, taking advantage of emerging technologies and driving customer innovation to success.  We are honored to be working on this virtual trainer with MAN Energy Solutions and are proud to bring this leading-edge training technology to the Royal Canadian Navy. At Modest Tree we can truly say that we have been given an opportunity to be part of a world class team that is advancing training solutions in the marine industry. This project demonstrates the real value in large companies collaborating with innovative technology companies.” -  Sam Sannandeji, CEO, Modest Tree

“Congratulations to MAN Energy Solutions and Modest Tree on this first of its kind virtual reality training solution for the Royal Canadian Navy. We are proud that the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship program is creating new growth opportunities for Canadian companies and supporting thousands of good, well-paying jobs across the country.” - Kevin McCoy, President, Irving Shipbuilding