South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has partnered with Taiwanese container shipping giant Evergreen to implement advanced virtual reality (VR) training solutions for seafarers. This collaboration, centered at the Evergreen Seafarer Training Center (ESTC), aims to equip crew members with the necessary skills to operate increasingly complex eco-friendly ships.
VR Training for Green Ships
The new VR solutions are specifically designed to teach seafarers how to operate the eco-friendly equipment utilized on Evergreen’s 16,500 TEU methanol dual-fuel containerships. The official launching ceremony for the methanol dual-fuel vessel seafarer training VR took place at ESTC on July 11, 2025.
This initiative comes at a crucial time for the shipping industry. With stringent environmental regulations and a surge in orders for alternative-fueled vessels, it has become imperative for shipping companies to implement robust training programs for seafarers to operate new, more complex equipment.
SHI’s VR program addresses this need by providing an immersive virtual environment where seafarers can:
- Conduct direct inspections of critical areas, such as engine rooms and bunkering stations, using 3D design data, eliminating the need for physical access to a ship.
- Efficiently operate equipment with systems more complex than those found on conventional diesel engine ships.
- Engage in repetitive training for emergencies, such as fuel leaks or fires onboard, in a safe and controlled setting.
These VR solutions are anticipated to not only enhance operational safety but also mitigate operational risks and reduce maintenance costs associated with malfunctions or misuse of critical equipment.
Dong-yeon Lee, Vice President and Director of SHI’s Ship & Offshore Research Institute, commented on the significance of the partnership: “VR solutions that are tailored to customer needs will play a crucial role in enhancing the operational stability of eco-friendly ships. Samsung Heavy Industries will develop a range of customized solutions by leveraging our technical expertise in VR.”
Globally, hundreds of thousands of seafarers are projected to require specialized training in the coming decades to effectively handle alternative marine fuels, underscoring the growing need for new skillsets in the maritime workforce. This collaboration between SHI and Evergreen highlights a proactive approach to addressing this industry-wide challenge through technological innovation in training.
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Source: Offshore Energy
