Terminal Training: New York/New Jersey

Port Newark Auto Terminal (PNAT) New Mobile Ro/Ro Training Simulator

A mobile ro-ro operations labor training simulator at Ports America’s Port Newark Auto Terminal (PNAT) prepares drivers for a variety of ro/ro vessel scenarios involved in the loading and discharging of rolling stock/auto cargoes.

The interactive system simulates a range of challenging ro/ro vessels’ scenarios. It also measures and corrects driver performance. Among the benefits to customers, says Ports America, are damage and risk prevention and a more highly skilled, reliable labor force. All drivers must complete simulator training as part of the Ports America driving test requirement to gain the Car Driver category qualification.

"Drivers are immersed in this educational program through a personalized experience before working actual vessels," said Jorge Taboada, Ports America general manager for PNAT and Bayonne Auto Terminal (BAT). "They are provided this unique opportunity to practice potentially risky scenarios in a safe environment while standards and procedures are promoted during the exercise."

The company is a tenant of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. More than a half million vehicles were imported or exported through the bi-state port in 2016.