Maritime Professionals Not Keeping Pace With Digitalisation In The Industry, Study Finds

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.