Capital Group and FORCE Technology Collaborate to Launch Europe’s First Extended Reality Bridge Simulator

Copenhagen & Piraeus, January 21, 2025 – Capital Group and FORCE Technology are proud to announce their partnership in creating Europe’s first Extended Reality (XR) Full Mission Bridge simulator. This groundbreaking initiative represents a major advancement in maritime training, combining cutting-edge technology with decades of expertise.

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

“This project underscores our steadfast dedication to driving innovation and excellence in maritime training, with a strong focus on safe and sustainable operations,” said Panagiotis Drosos, Chief Operating Officer of Capital Ship Management Corp. “By embracing cutting-edge XR technology, we are empowering our seafarers to meet the dynamic challenges of the maritime industry, while reinforcing Greece’s position as a leader on the global maritime stage.”

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. This seamless integration creates a realistic and immersive training experience.

In addition to its technical innovations, the XR simulator minimizes environmental impact by reducing energy consumption and the need for travel. It offers flexible remote training options, thus reshaping maritime training and aligning technological innovation with sustainability and global connectivity.

 

About Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp.

Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp. ('Capital-Executive') currently operates a fleet of 34 vessels including 24 container carriers and 10 modern bulk carriers with a total dwt of 2.54 million tons approx. and total teu of 96,251. 

 

About FORCE Technology

FORCE Technology helps companies become technological and sustainable frontrunners for the benefit of society. FORCE Technology is a technology consultancy and service company that strives to create positive technological change and make the world more sustainable and safer. As a Research and Technology organization, 100% of FORCE Technology profits are reinvested in the company for the benefit of society. Each year, thousands of customers entrust us with their products, materials, structures, largest potentials, or worst challenges since we create security and value based on impartiality, confidentiality, and knowledge.

 

About FURUNO ELECTRIC Co.

With its HQ based in Japan, established in 1948, Furuno became synonymous with top quality products for professional marine electronics, used by thousands of seafarers, ensuring safe, secure, and comfortable navigation at sea. Thanks to its Global Service Network which includes 38x own subsidiaries, Furuno provides unmatched pre & after sales support, focusing on a pure customer centric approach, resulting in 257xNMEA Awards and being included in the “100Global Niche Top Companies selection”. Furuno is always at the forefront to deliver scalable, best-in-class training solutions, by meeting current and forecoming challenges through its own resources and synergies with 3rd parties to deliver Value to the end customers.