Flint Systems Delivers World’s First Underwater Welding and Cutting Simulator to the Polish Navy
A major leap in maritime training technology: the WELES simulator now enables safe, realistic underwater welding and oxygen lance cutting for naval personnel.
In brief
Flint Systems has delivered the WELES welding simulator, the world's first VR system for training in underwater welding and cutting, to the Naval Port Command in Gdynia. The second phase of the order was completed in May 2025 and covered simulation of oxygen lance cutting and anchor chain handling. Under the entire order spanning 2024 to 2025, Flint Systems handed over two WELES simulator sets, supporting the GMAW, SMAW, GTAW and FCAW methods and plates from 2 to 20 millimetres thick. Flint Systems president Leszek Tarnawski stressed that the implementation strengthens the Polish Navy.
Polish technology firm Flint Systems has successfully completed the second and final phase of its contract with the Naval Port Command in Gdynia, delivering a groundbreaking upgrade to its WELES welding simulator. The latest version includes an industry-first module for underwater welding and oxygen lance cutting, developed to meet the specialized requirements of the Polish Navy.
This pioneering VR-based system replicates real-world welding conditions, now extended to include anchor chain welding and cutting under simulated underwater conditions. The final delivery, completed in May 2025, marks a significant innovation in military and maritime vocational training.
Between 2024 and 2025, Flint Systems delivered two full WELES simulator systems, supporting training in four core welding methods:
GMAW (MIG/MAG), SMAW (MMA), GTAW (TIG), and FCAW. The system enables hands-on experience with various materials – including stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, and copper – and simulates plate thicknesses ranging from 2 to 20 mm.
Next-Generation Training for Harsh Marine Environments
Developed in close cooperation with subject-matter experts, the underwater technology module provides a realistic and fully immersive training environment using virtual reality (VR). The simulator allows naval personnel and marine industry specialists to train without risk, reduce costs, and build mission-critical competencies in a controlled setting.
- We are proud to be the first in the world to deliver a simulator for underwater welding and cutting. This not only strengthens the Polish Navy but also marks a milestone in the evolution of welding training, said Leszek Tarnawski, CEO of Flint Systems.
Key Features of the WELES Underwater Module:
- True-to-life simulation of underwater welding and anchor chain cutting scenarios
- High safety through VR training, eliminating exposure to real-world hazards
- Cost-efficiency by removing the need for consumables and physical setups
- Versatility, supporting a wide range of materials, techniques, and user profiles
The WELES simulator positions Flint Systems at the forefront of maritime and defense training innovation, offering scalable, safe, and effective solutions for navies, shipyards, and offshore industries worldwide.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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