Debunking Maritime Myths of Digital Transformation

Our study explores attitudes to digital transformation among maritime professionals across EMEA, the US and APAC. We uncover the surprising misconceptions thwarting progress and outline how organisations can conquer key challenges to reach a better future for all.

78

%

of maritime professionals are open to technical innovation and see it as a positive influence

70

%

of maritime professionals believe we need more investment in education and training to boost skills development

80

%

of maritime professionals admit how important digital technology will be in achieving carbon emissions goals

A story of seven mythical beasts

Our original research found that while the industry favours technological innovation, fragmentation is one of the most significant barriers to its successful adoption. The data reveal we have different understandings and approaches, rooted in widespread apprehension.

How can we better work together? First, we need to debunk the seven core myths surrounding the subject of digital transformation – myths that we’ve likened to the legendary sea monsters of maritime folklore. Only then can we get a clearer view of where we collectively need to go.

The Kraken of Digitalisation

Our Kraken is a mythical beast that plagues maritime professionals with scepticism and uncertainty. It thrives on the confusion about what digitalisation looks like in practice. While 78% of maritime professionals agree that change and technological innovation is a good thing, 63% believe there's a lack of skills and knowledge among seafarers to fulfil the requirements of new technologies. So what’s going on beneath the surface?

Our Kraken is a mythical beast that plagues maritime professionals with scepticism and uncertainty. It thrives on the confusion about what digitalisation looks like in practice.

The Selma of Decarbonisation

The IMO aims to cut maritime’s emissions in half by 2050, but over a third of our respondents said they are doing only the minimum amount necessary to be compliant. Decarbonisation efforts are proving more inadequate than hoped. What our study shows is that organisations need better support to balance current challenges alongside regulatory demands.

The IMO aims to cut maritime’s emissions in half by 2050, but over a third of our respondents said they are doing only the minimum amount necessary to be compliant.

The Jörmungand of Regulation

Technology has a crucial role to play in regulation as shipping firms struggle to keep up with changing rules. 57% of respondents said regulation makes their job more challenging. With environmental and cybersecurity issues as the foremost regulatory concerns today, we believe technological solutions are best placed to support organisations in staying compliant.

Technology has a crucial role to play in regulation as shipping firms struggle to keep up with changing rules. 57% of respondents said regulation makes their job more challenging.

The Cthulhu of Decision-Support

Technology seems to be the ideal weapon to counter what we’ve named the Cthulhu of decision-support. But the right technology must be in place to ensure that data is used optimally. As the maritime sector grapples with the increasing volume and complexity of big data, how can we improve its availability, governance and analysis?

Technology seems to be the ideal weapon to counter what we’ve named the Cthulhu of decision-support. But the right technology must be in place to ensure that data is used optimally.

The Hydra of Highly Automated Shipping

The maritime industry is often seen as technologically immature. Our Hydra of highly automated shipping is a myth that haunts professionals uncertain about a tech-dominated future. 58% of our respondents say they are apprehensive about autonomous shipping and how this will impact jobs. At the same time, the next generation of maritime professionals would acknowledge that the opportunity to learn and leverage new technologies is an appealing part of the role. So what can we do to embrace a more automated tomorrow?

The maritime industry is often seen as technologically immature. Our Hydra of highly automated shipping is a myth that haunts professionals uncertain about a tech-dominated future.

The Umibōzu of Next-Generation Talent

Recruiting young talent is key to accelerating maritime digital transformation. But the Umibōzu – that is, many of the issues that cause job dissatisfaction – stands in the way. Our data shows that these include long periods at sea away from family and a lack of progression opportunities. Digitalisation can tame the Umibōzu by creating opportunities for improvement in many of these areas, as well as generating new roles entirely.

Recruiting young talent is key to accelerating maritime digital transformation. But the Umibōzu – that is, many of the issues that cause job dissatisfaction – stands in the way.

The Sirens of Fragmentation

Tech brands, ship managers, owners, operators, ports and seafarers must work together if they want to make digital transformation happen. Without collaboration, we’ll continue to fall into the traps laid by the Sirens of fragmentation. 63% of the maritime professionals we interviewed say the industry is very fragmented. It’s vital for the industry to foster collaboration between the various stakeholders and across the various aspects of digitalisation. But this is easier said than done.

Tech brands, ship managers, owners, operators, ports and seafarers must work together if they want to make digital transformation happen.

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