Survey reveals mariners’ digital fears

According to findings in the Debunking the Mythical Beasts of Maritime Digital Transformation report by technology giant Wärtsilä, almost half of those asked admitted having ‘a volatile attitude towards technology’, and more than a third said they were ‘actively resistant to change’.

”The report also reveals that as many as 18% do not think the industry is unified in its understanding of digitalisation and why it is needed,” said Michael Christiansen, Vice President, Smart Vessel, Wärtsilä. “This report makes clear that the industry agrees that digitalisation is essential to the future of shipping. but little tangible progress has been made to date because of wildly different and vague interpretations of what digitisation actually means.

”What’s interesting is that our report draws striking parallels between the fears and misunderstandings that gave rise to vivid stories of famous mythological sea monsters that live on in folklore today and highlights the apprehension that many modern-day maritime professionals feel towards the largely unchartered ocean of digital transformation.”

The research found that more than two thirds of industry professionals believed the ability to digitalise existing infrastructure and retrofit vessels was challenging, and more than half agreed that the time and cost implications involved with digital transformation projects were too high. On top of that, 63% believed there was a lack of skills and knowledge among seafarers to fulfil the requirements of new technologies.

The survey was carried out over the EMEA, Americas and APAC regions across all sectors including ports, ferries, merchant and cruise shipping among others. All levels of seniority were quizzed.

“Like the sea, digital transformation is a great unifier,” said Christiansen. “We are all in the same boat. Real progress will only happen when we collectively abandon the idea of digital transformation as all or nothing. We need to work together to build an ecosystem where digital technologies on board a ship talk to those in offices on shore. This is how, as an industry, we can reframe the route to digitalisation and turn threats into opportunities.”