Background
Stillstrom, an offshore charging venture owned by A.P. Moller – Maersk, develops power and charging solutions that let hybrid and electric vessels plug into clean electricity at sea — either drawing power onboard or recharging while idling. The technology is central to decarbonising maritime operations, but new infrastructure brings new procedures, and a growing need to train vessel crews to connect to the Stillstrom system safely.
Offshore wind farms run around the clock, and Service Operation Vessels carry large, rotating teams from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds — including people new to the maritime sector. That makes consistent, accessible crew training both logistically complex and time-sensitive.
The deployment
Together with Maersk Training and immersive-learning specialist SynergyXR, Stillstrom developed a full-scale virtual reality training module that simulates connecting a vessel to its offshore charging system. In the headset, trainees learn to put on PPE, operate deck equipment, coordinate across crews and complete the connection — all in a fully immersive, risk-free environment that recreates the equipment, the sounds of the sea and the surrounding conditions.
The module was built on SynergyXR's no-code XR platform, with Maersk Training contributing the offshore domain expertise needed to mirror the real complexity of the procedure. It lets crew members practise at their own pace and reach a common standard long before they set foot on a vessel, regardless of prior offshore experience.
Reception and outcomes
The training has been tested by a range of stakeholders and industry experts, generating strong engagement and positive feedback. Stillstrom reports improved safety and operational readiness from giving every crew member a consistent training experience.
At the WindEurope conference, the module drew near-constant queues at the company's booth, with participants in headsets and a large screen mirroring the session so others could watch — turning the demo into a social, competitive activity. Uptake spanned age groups and backgrounds, with initially hesitant senior crew joining in after seeing younger colleagues succeed.
What's next
Stillstrom plans to extend the VR training to cover its full suite of offshore charging products and scenarios — across different structures and within Zero Emissions Anchorage Zones — and to add emergency-response simulations. The company also sees VR as a way to build trust in new technology, letting partners and customers experience its systems before they are installed at sea.
