In a bid to engage the next generation in maritime and offshore industries, Saipem, the Italian engineering services company for the energy sector, orchestrated a unique virtual field trip for nearly 27,000 elementary and middle school students. The immersive experience unfolded aboard the Saipem 7000, the world's third-largest crane ship, engaged in constructing a large wind farm in the North Sea, particularly the Neart Na Gaoithe (NnG) wind farm off the east coast of Scotland.

The initiative aimed to familiarize children with the work of Saipem engineers and technicians while delving into the themes of energy transition and wind energy. Using a specialized web application, participants enjoyed almost 10 hours of live streaming, featuring interactive elements such as questions, surveys, and quizzes.

The virtual trip, part of the "CodyTrip" series by DIGIT, a spin-off of the University of Urbino, in collaboration with Giunti Editore, CampuStore, and supported by Save the Children, Fondazione Mondo Digitale, Gray Panthers, and Telefono Azzurro, allowed students to meet virtually at the Aberdeen heliport. From there, they embarked on a helicopter journey over the under-construction wind farm before landing on the Saipem 7000.

Throughout the virtual visit, students interacted with the ship's commander, site manager, engineers, and technicians, gaining insights into the values that drive the execution of large-scale projects. The students explored the ship's command bridge, engine room, and observed the large lifting cranes used for installing wind turbines. The experience also included aspects of life on board, from safety induction to meals in the canteen and morning activities in the gym or cabin.

The trip provided an opportunity for participants to learn about the Saipem 7000, including intriguing anecdotes such as the ship's name originating from its two gigantic twin cranes, each with a 7000-ton capacity. Additionally, students discovered historical connections, like Primo Levi's visit to another Saipem vessel, the Castoro 6 pipelayer, in 1980, inspired by passages in the novel "The Star Key."

Preceding the virtual visit were two webinars dedicated to wind energy and workplace safety, enhancing the educational aspects of the experience. Saipem's innovative approach seeks to inspire the next generation and promote understanding of the offshore environment, fostering interest in the maritime and energy sectors.