Transforming offshore crane operations in Brazil with Constellation Oil Services

“The Maersk Training crane simulator program allowed us to learn in a realistic and safe environment. Our team was able to experience challenges without risks, which reduced errors, accelerated learning, and brought clear gains in confidence, decision-making, and teamwork – further strengthening our culture of safety and excellence.” – Valber Godoy, HSE and Cargo Handling Specialist

Situation

Crane operations are among the most high-risk activities offshore, where even minor errors can have serious safety and cost implications. Constellation Oil Services identified that their crane operators required more advanced training to meet the growing complexity of offshore lifting operations.

Traditional training options in Brazil provided limited realism and did not fully prepare operators for the pressures of live offshore conditions. The risk of continuing with the status quo was clear: increased exposure to safety incidents, potential operational delays, and inconsistent competency standards across crews.

Solution

To address these challenges, Constellation partnered with Maersk Training to design and deliver the Crane Operator Development Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Brazil.

The program combined:

• Simulator-based training: Using advanced crane simulators to replicate real-world offshore lifting operations in a safe, controlled environment.

• Blended learning approach: Technical training, behavioural modules, and hands-on activities to build both skill and decision-making confidence.

• On-site collaboration: Constellation experts supervised sessions, providing real-time operational feedback to align training with actual offshore needs.

• Phased rollout: Beginning in early 2024, the program welcomed multiple operator groups to Maersk Training’s Rio de Janeiro centre, creating a sustainable development pipeline.

This partnership was innovative not only for Brazil but also globally, setting a new benchmark for crane operator training through its combination of realism, technical depth, and behavioural development.

Impact

The Crane Operator Development Program has transformed how Constellation develops its workforce. Operators now demonstrate:

1. Improved operational readiness – Better situational awareness and decision-making under pressure.

2. Higher safety performance – Reduced risk exposure during critical offshore lifting operations.

3. Stronger industry positioning – As early adopters of a groundbreaking program, Constellation has set a higher benchmark for operational excellence in Brazil and, recognizing its leadership, Petrobras invited the company to present the program to all Petrobras teams and subcontractors during its Safety Campaign.

The collaboration also reinforced cultural alignment between Maersk Training and Constellation, built on trust and shared commitment to safety and efficiency. While data points such as reduced downtime and fewer incident reports will be tracked over time, early feedback from both Constellation leaders and participants has been overwhelmingly positive.