Digitalisation
Nordic data skills shortage looms By Kenneth Johansen, Business Development Manager at online freight-fixing platform Sea.
W
hile the maritime industry
But while digitisation underpins these
the standards that govern the collection,
may not be synonymous
technologies, data standards are the
use, and exchange of data across
with being at the cutting
foundation of digitisation in shipping.
shipping workflows.
edge of innovation, the Nordics have
This means that a shortage of data
From there, data standards can go
historically bucked this trend. Compared
skills will stunt innovation in the maritime
a long way in streamlining processes,
to other regions, we see a more
sector. Luckily, when speaking to our
improving our progress towards
progressive approach to technology
clients and peers in the Nordics we see
sustainability, and reducing potentially
adoption and a greater willingness
a growing acknowledgement of this. A
costly disagreements. For example,
to embrace digitisation. In fact, with
staggering 80% of ship owners believe
when a ship is chartered, factors like fuel
Finland, Denmark and Sweden regularly
expertise in IT and digital competency
consumption, speed, and emissions will
featuring in the top four spots of the
will be paramount in the coming decade.
be monitored by a number of parties.
Digital Economy and Society Index
As an industry, we must address the
If everyone is referring to the same
(DESI), its unsurprising to see this
scarcity of data experts. This way, we’ll
source of truth, the chances for differing
naturally translates into their maritime
be ideally positioned to implement the
data on emissions are slim, reducing
sector as well.
innovations that are already delivering
the impact of inconsistent grades and
However, analysis from the
efficiencies and new revenue streams in
ratings for vessels.
Norwegian Shipowners Association
other industries. After all, implementing
Adopting data standards is a
reveals a growing shortage of digital
analytics to bolster decision-making is
challenging, industry-wide endeavour -
skills, which could slow the region’s
undermined if an organisation lacks the
but a worthwhile one. It’s the first step
digital transformation - and perhaps
capabilities to understand and action
in truly modernising one of the world’s
the long-term prosperity of this sector
those insights. Admittedly, addressing
most ancient industries. In essence,
as a whole. And while the region
this will take time. But through
these standards are a bridge, connecting
leads on digitisation, data standards
partnerships with leading universities,
the Nordic maritime industry’s
remain another important obstacle that
proactive upskilling and training, that skill
aspirations for digital transformation
may slow the adoption of connected
gap will narrow, if not close eventually.
with the reality of its digital skill gap. Through strategic investments in
technologies in the coming years.
Data standards needed
talent development and technology
of emerging technology such as AI,
With these skills in place, the
infrastructure, the Nordics are poised
IoT or advanced analytics is crucial to
maritime industry will be much better
to lead the charge towards a digitally
driving growth and improving efficiency.
placed to come together and agree on
empowered maritime future. l
Like in other industries, the adoption
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Ship Management International
Issue 109 May/June 2024