The green transition at sea brings not only new technologies and sustainability goals, but also an urgent need for a maritime workforce that can operate safely and efficiently in these changing environments. The global industry faces a skills gap, particularly when it comes to handling alternative fuels, complying with new safety regulations, and adapting to automation and digitalization. To secure a just and sustainable transition, there is a need to rapidly upskill workers and ensure safe working conditions across the maritime sector. 

For crane operators, this means bringing increasingly complex workflows and safety demands, particularly when handling sensitive equipment or components for offshore wind. Meeting these new requirements calls for faster, safer, and more flexible ways to train port personnel without disrupting terminal operations or increasing emissions. 

RelyOn addresses the maritime sector’s evolving challenges through tailored, blended learning programmes delivered via a global network of training centres and digital platforms, or even onsite at sea. Combining traditional safety courses with cutting-edge simulation technology, we equip maritime professionals with the competencies needed to operate safely in a rapidly changing industry — from alternative fuels and digital operations to high-risk port and offshore environments. Our port crane simulators replicate real terminal layouts and operational scenarios, enabling operators to practice emergency procedures, verify lift plans, and optimise workflows in a risk-free setting. This simulation-first approach reduces emissions and safety risks associated with live training and ensures learners are prepared for real-world conditions. This improves training precision, reduces onboarding time, and enhances safety preparedness in weather-challenged or high-risk operations. In partnership with PALFINGER, RelyOn has developed GWO Lifting courses for offshore wind lifting procedures, supporting operators in acquiring skills essential for the green transition. 

RelyOn’s training solutions have enabled maritime companies to strengthen workforce competence, improve compliance, and reduce operational risk. By incorporating high-fidelity simulation training for both port and vessel-based crane operations, operators train in lifelike conditions without disrupting live workflows. This has led to measurable improvements in safety awareness, faster onboarding, and reduced incident rates. Companies report improved time-to-competence, fewer operational delays, and enhanced certification compliance across teams.  

In particular, the use of crane simulators has proven effective in replicating complex and safety-critical lifting scenarios, such as those involving offshore wind components, without tying up physical cranes or exposing trainees to operational hazards. In one case, portable simulator setups with on-site instructors enabled a major operator to efficiently assess and upskill crane personnel while reducing training time. These results contribute directly to greener, safer, and more efficient maritime operations, not only by lowering resource use and emissions during training, but by ensuring that crane operators are better prepared for the demands of lifting operations central to the green transition. This, in turn, supports long-term job creation by building a highly skilled, adaptable workforce ready for the sector’s evolving needs.