Maritime Professionals Not Keeping Pace With Digitalisation In The Industry, Study Finds
Our take
The recent study highlighting a significant gap between the pace of digitalisation within the maritime industry and the adoption rate among maritime professionals presents a concerning, yet predictable, trend. Surveying 532 seafarers across 64 countries alongside interviews with 110 stakeholders underscores a systemic challenge – one that has implications for safety, efficiency, and the long-term sustainability of global shipping. The findings resonate with observations regarding increased container losses at sea Container Losses At Sea More Than Doubled In 2025, Says World Shipping Council Report, where improved data analytics and predictive maintenance could have mitigated some of the incidents. Furthermore, the increasing complexities of maritime operations, as illustrated by instances like the recent discovery of stowaways Nigerian Navy Finds 5 Stowaways In India-Bound Vessel’s Rudder Compartment, necessitate greater reliance on integrated digital systems for enhanced situational awareness and security protocols. The slower-than-expected adoption isn’t simply a matter of technological resistance; it’s likely a confluence of factors including training deficits, concerns about job displacement, and a lack of clear incentives for embracing new workflows.
The core issue isn't the absence of technology, but rather the failure to integrate these innovations meaningfully into existing operational practices. Advanced sensor networks, predictive analytics, and automated systems are becoming increasingly prevalent, promising improvements in fuel efficiency, route optimization, and preventative maintenance. However, without a corresponding investment in upskilling the workforce and fostering a culture of digital literacy, the potential benefits remain unrealized. The study’s findings should serve as a call to action for maritime organizations, regulatory bodies, and educational institutions to prioritize digital transformation initiatives that are both technically robust and human-centered. It's also important to recognize the parallel developments occurring within marine science; the exploration of bioactivity and secondary metabolites in soft corals Diversity, bioactivity, and secondary metabolites of actinomycetes associated with soft corals highlights the potential for leveraging data-driven insights from previously underutilized biological sources, further underscoring the need for a comprehensive, digitally-integrated approach to understanding and protecting our oceans.
The implications of this digital divide extend beyond immediate operational efficiencies. A less digitally fluent maritime workforce is inherently less adaptable to the evolving challenges posed by climate change, increasingly stringent environmental regulations, and the growing demands for sustainable shipping practices. Real-time data on ocean conditions, weather patterns, and vessel performance are critical for informed decision-making, yet their value is diminished if the personnel responsible for interpreting and acting upon this information lack the necessary skills. Moreover, the rise of autonomous shipping technologies, while promising transformative benefits, will necessitate a complete reimagining of maritime roles and responsibilities, further emphasizing the urgency of workforce development. The potential for increased incidents, inefficiencies, and environmental impact is significant if the industry fails to bridge this gap.
Ultimately, the study’s findings provide a sobering reminder that technological innovation alone is insufficient. Successful digital transformation requires a holistic approach that encompasses not only the implementation of new tools and systems but also a commitment to empowering the human element within the maritime ecosystem. The question moving forward is not simply *whether* the industry will embrace digitalisation, but *how* it will ensure that this transformation is equitable, sustainable, and ultimately contributes to a safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible maritime future. A calibrated approach, focusing on accessible training, demonstrable benefits for seafarers, and a clear articulation of the long-term vision for a digitally-enabled maritime sector will be crucial to realizing this potential.
A study launched on June 25, Day of the Seafarer, found that maritime professionals, especially seafarers, are not keeping pace with the rapid digitalisation occurring in the industry, which raises concerns about safety and efficiency.
The report, “Digital skills in maritime education and training: A global deep dive into people, skills, and readiness for change”, was written by the World Maritime University (WMU) and commissioned by Lloyd’s Register Foundation through the Global Maritime Trends programme.
It includes information collected through surveying 532 seafarers across 64 countries and also interviews with 110 stakeholders.
The study found that there is a vast gap between technological adoption and the seafarers’ ability to use it.
Automation, AI and new technologies are changing and reshaping maritime operations, and training and certification frameworks are falling behind.
Over 80% seafarers reported that they did not receive any training to improve their digital skills. Those who said they did, mentioned that it was not helpful to them in practice, i.e., when they went on the ship.
The training focused on theoretical knowledge rather than practical application.
Two‑thirds said they wished to learn about AI, automation and wanted to genuinely upskill, but a lack of shared understanding among the maritime community about what ’ digital skills’ actually are has held them back.
Seafarers also said that they felt more confident in traditional onboard systems or ways of working rather than depending on AI and automation or data-intensive tools, since most do not know how to work with them.
AI systems are not to be trusted blindly, but rather should be seen as an assistant or helper to ease the burden of maritime professionals; most do not know this.
Additionally, only 13% seafarers said that shore‑based training matches the systems they encounter onboard.
The report mentioned that this is due to limited funding, shortage of digitally-skilled teachers or professionals in the industry and slow-moving regulation.
However, training could also deepen global inequalities when it comes to skill set, since access to good training programs would depend on resources and investment.
Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., President of the World Maritime University, said: “Maritime digitalisation is no longer a future possibility – it is already shaping how ships are designed, operated and regulated. The question is whether the workforce is ready. Achieving the benefits of this transition depends on people having the skills and confidence to use digital tools effectively.”
The report calls for coordinated action across the maritime industry, including quicker updates to training standards, more investment in education and training and better collaboration between regulators, training providers and the stakeholders.
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