Stillstrom, a Maersk-owned venture driving decarbonization at sea, is pioneering how offshore vessel crews prepare for critical operations. Together with SynergyXR and Maersk Training, they’ve developed an immersive VR training program that equips deck crews to safely connect vessels to offshore charging systems, reducing risk, downtime, and training costs, all while accelerating the green energy transition.

Key Results

User-friendly VR training module developed to simulate vessel connection to offshore charging equipment

Successfully tested by a range of stakeholders and industry experts, generating strong engagement and positive feedback

Improved safety and operational readiness by providing a consistent training experience, regardless of the user’s background or prior offshore experience

Powering vessels with clean energy – Safely.

Stillstrom was founded with a bold mission: to accelerate offshore decarbonisation by enabling vessels to draw clean energy at sea. As a company owned by A.P. Moller – Maersk, Stillstrom develops and deploys offshore power and charging solutions that allow hybrid and electric vessels to connect in offshore environments, either to take power onboard or to recharge while idling. But with new infrastructure and technology come new procedures, and a growing need to train vessel crews in how to safely connect to the Stillstrom system.

In offshore wind farms, operations run around the clock – making crew training both logistically complex and time-sensitive. Service Operation Vessels often carry large, rotating teams with diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, including personnel who are new to the maritime sector.

As the offshore industry welcomes talent from a wide range of professional backgrounds, there’s a growing need for effective, accessible training. Stillstrom contributes to this effort by offering VR-based learning that helps crew members, regardless of prior offshore experience, build confidence and familiarity with new procedures. The immersive training environment allows them to safely practice connecting to Stillstrom’s offshore charging system long before setting foot on a vessel.

“Some come in with entirely different professional backgrounds,” says Lars Jacobsen, Head of Marine Operations and Business Development at Stillstrom. “But no matter their experience, the number one priority at sea is, and always will be, safety.”

In such environments, ensuring that every crew member is confident, well-prepared, and ready to respond is not just about operational performance. It’s about making sure everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.

Real-world risk, virtual-world training

Stillstrom turned to VR – a technology that Lars had first experienced in an unexpected way.

“I tried a VR game where you had to operate different types of equipment” Lars recalls. “I remember thinking: if this can feel this real, why can’t we use it for vessel training?”

Together with Maersk Training and SynergyXR, Stillstrom developed a full-scale VR training module that simulates the process of connecting a vessel to Stillstrom’s offshore charging system. Users learn how to put on PPE, operate deck equipment, coordinate across crews, and complete the connection, all in a fully immersive and risk-free environment.

“It really feels like being on board,” says Lars. “You’re surrounded by the equipment, the sounds of the sea, even birds overhead. All those small details come together to create a learning environment that’s as close to the real thing as you can get.”

The Stillstrom training case shows exactly what’s possible when deep operational expertise meets immersive learning. By combining SynergyXR’s no-code platform and our domain expert knowledge, we were able to build a highly realistic VR training experience that mirrors the complexity of offshore charging — and make it accessible to crews around the world.

Linsey Horberry  |  L&D Manager – Digital at Maersk Training

Accelerating training and boosting confidence

In traditional offshore operations, new crew members, especially those without prior maritime experience, require significant onboarding and supervision. VR training helps bridge that gap.

“Many of our training participants are new to the offshore world,” Lars explains. “We need to bring them up to the same standard quickly and safely. VR lets them practice at their own pace, without putting anyone at risk.”

The training has also proven popular across age groups and backgrounds. While some senior crew members were hesitant at first, many jumped in after seeing younger colleagues try it with positive results.

“At the Wind Europe Conference, our booth had people queuing up almost nonstop to try it,” Lars says. “We had people in the headsets, and a big screen connected so others could watch. It became a social activity. People were comparing who did better, who was faster. And nobody left without finishing the full session.”

What’s next? Scaling impact and reach

Stillstrom sees VR as a crucial enabler, not only for operational safety, optimization but also for trust.

“In the maritime industry, trust in new technology is everything,” Lars says. “VR can help us build that trust by letting partners and customers experience our systems and products before they’re even installed at sea.”

Looking ahead, Stillstrom will extend its VR training to encompass additional products and scenarios, covering the full suite of offshore charging solutions across various structures and within Zero Emissions Anchorage Zones, while also incorporating emergency-response simulations.

“Speed is of the essence,” says Lars. “The faster people can learn, the faster we can scale decabonisation in the maritime sector.”