At Inmarsat’s recent seminar, “Thriving in the Digital Age,” experts emphasized a cautious, step-by-step approach to maritime digitalization, highlighting the importance of training and human involvement. While digitalization offers significant benefits, many shipping companies still rely on manual processes, making a rushed transition risky. The seminar, held on June 4, 2025, during Nor-Shipping in Oslo, underscored the industry’s optimism tempered by the reality of its digital challenges.
Amilia Busby, a Third Engineer Officer, noted the gap in training related to digital technologies during her cadetship. She argued that a focus on outdated content, like steam vessels, left her and her peers unprepared for modern maritime demands. Captain Jorgen Grindevoll echoed this sentiment, pointing out the disconnect between shore-side decision-makers and onboard realities, advocating for systems that prioritize human operators before increasing automation.
Richard Buckley highlighted the industry’s slow adoption of digital technologies, citing reliance on manual noon reports. However, he expressed optimism about ongoing innovations and the need for seamless ship-shore integration. Despite an increasing demand for data, only a fraction of the global fleet is equipped with essential connectivity, underscoring a significant barrier to digital transformation. The consensus among panellists was clear: while the industry is moving towards full digitalization, effective training and connectivity remain crucial.
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