Europe’s First XR Full Mission Bridge Simulator Unveiled

Capital Group and FORCE Technology have partnered to create what they believe to be Europe’s first Extended Reality (XR) Full Mission Bridge simulator, an advancement in maritime training.

The simulator will be housed at Capital training facility at the port of Chios Island, Greece, which is slated to open in 2025. Designed to enhance seafarers' skills, this modern center reinforces Capital Group’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and maritime leadership.

Leveraging over 50 years of FORCE Technology’s expertise in simulation systems, the training equipment incorporates advanced XR headsets with features like eye tracking to deliver focused, efficient, and highly realistic training.

“Our new SimFlex simulator sets a new benchmark for operational training,” said Stelios Koukouvios, Global Business Development Manager at FORCE Technology. “By embedding real vessel equipment into a virtual bridge environment, we provide an unmatched experience of precision and immersion. This technology also enables global teams to train together in shared scenarios, unlocking exciting possibilities for collaboration.”

The system’s design features a fully green-screened environment, integrating real bridge equipment supplied by FURUNO Hellas S.A —such as the latest models of ECDIS (FMD-3005) and Chart Radar systems (FAR-3xx5) —with a high-fidelity virtual landscape.

In addition to its technical innovations, the XR simulator minimizes environmental impact by reducing energy consumption and the need for travel.