MSC Cruises trains its crew using virtual reality

The challenge: To train global crews quickly, efficiently and interactively

With an international workforce of over 30,000 employees and growing steadily, MSC Cruises faced the challenge of streamlining the onboarding process for its new staff. The conventional method required physical attendance and the availability of specific facilities, which limited the number of training sessions that could be held simultaneously and slowed down the learning of key operational procedures.

Furthermore, the company needed to make the training more engaging and interactive. Ensuring the highest quality of training required a dynamic format that would allow the crew to experience real-life work situations before embarking, thereby reducing the learning curve without compromising safety or operational excellence.

MSC Cruises

A shipping company ranked as the world’s third-largest cruise line, with a global workforce of over 30,000 professionals.

Industry

Sala de máquinas en realidad virtual para MSC Cruceros 7

The solution: An immersive, interactive 3D simulation platform

Virtual training

At Innoarea, we have developed a bespoke virtual reality application capable of faithfully recreating the cruise ship’s bridge and facilities in a hyper-realistic 3D environment. Thanks to this solution, new employees can take immersive 360° tours and familiarise themselves with their future workplace from day one, feeling as though they are truly on board.

The software enables users to interact with various elements of the vessel and carry out practical tests linked to operational protocols. The system not only facilitates the learning of complex tasks through active practice, but also records decision-making so that the company can assess and correct specific errors in real time.

Faster than training at a traditional classroom-based centre

275%

Increased safety and confidence for users whilst carrying out their tasks

Level of concentration during learning sessions

Hyper-realistic recreation of the ship’s cabins and work areas to create an immersive learning environment
Touch controllers for precise interaction with virtual tools
Practical modules for testing skills relating to standard operating procedures
Assessment module and error attribution integrated into each scenario

Key findings

The implementation of the virtual reality solution has revolutionised MSC Cruises’ onboarding process. By creating an emotional connection to the content that is 3.75 times stronger, employees retain knowledge more effectively and experience positive feelings during their training. This results in a better-prepared, more motivated workforce with a substantially lower error rate from their very first day on the job.

At an operational level, the company has managed to drastically optimise its training costs and times. The ability to accurately simulate the on-board experience allows for an objective assessment of decision-making, ensuring that the crew meets the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency that characterise MSC Cruises.