New global study warns maritime workforce is not keeping pace with digital change

A new report by the World Maritime University and Lloyd’s Register Foundation warns that the maritime workforce is failing to keep pace with the rapid adoption of digital technologies, creating significant risks for safety and operational efficiency. The study highlights a widening gap between the deployment of automated systems and the training provided to seafarers, with more than 80% of workers reporting little to no digital skills training. This disconnect underscores an urgent need for the shipping industry to update certification frameworks and invest in human capital to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector's digital transition.

The report, titled “Digital skills in maritime education and training,” draws on a survey of 532 seafarers across 64 countries and interviews with 110 stakeholders to assess the industry's readiness for technological change. It reveals that while tools like automated navigation and data-driven decision-making are reshaping ship operations, the maritime sector’s ability to use these systems safely is lagging. The Global Maritime Trends Digital Transition Barometer’s "People" pillar, which tracks workforce readiness and skills, currently stands at just 38%, indicating that technology is advancing much faster than the personnel required to manage it.

Specific findings indicate a stark disconnect between shore-based preparation and onboard reality, as only 13% of seafarers believe their training consistently matches the systems they encounter at sea. Despite two-thirds of respondents expressing a willingness to upskill, progress is hindered by a lack of shared understanding regarding what "digital skills" actually entail. Furthermore, maritime education providers face significant hurdles, including limited funding, a shortage of qualified instructors with digital expertise, and regulatory frameworks that move too slowly to keep up with the pace of innovation.

Industry leaders emphasize that the digital transformation could exacerbate global inequalities if access to training remains dependent on localized resources and investment. Dr. Jan Przydatek of Lloyd’s Register Foundation noted that failing to invest in people alongside technology risks creating new safety challenges, while Mark Warner of Lloyd’s Register pointed out that innovation is currently outpacing preparedness. The report concludes that human judgment remains essential even as digital tools become standard, calling for coordinated action between regulators, training providers, and the industry to update global standards and increase educational investment.