Ship Concept 2035

Ship Concept BY

2035 rt:

o cial rep g a spe in r u t a e F ith tivity w Connec

CONTENTS

Function will still dictate form

Road to 2035 3

Editor’s Comment

5

Introduction

— Stamatis Tsantanis, chairman and CEO of Seanergy Maritime

Regulatory pressures remain a dominant factor shaping operations

5

11

11 Regulation

— Emanuele Grimaldi, chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping

15 Fuels 19 Seafarers 25 Ports 29 Connectivity

I don’t think anybody, including myself, has that crystal ball to say, OK, which zero-carbon fuel is going to be the answer

— Eman Abdalla, global operations and supply chain director at Cargill Ocean Transportation

38 Shipyards 41 AI 44 Opinion

15

The ability to unlearn and relearn every few years will be crucial

48 MarPoll

25

— Janani Yagnamurthy, VP analytics, Marcura

The fundamental shipping business model has not changed since the 18th century — Ben Palmer,

president, Inmarsat Maritime

For the best global shipping news coverage

31

30

By 2035, full broadband will be a baseline expectation — Manish Singh, the head of Aboutships

www.splash247.com 1

Navigating EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime As a global leader in maritime solutions, the Synergy Marine Group is committed to helping shipowners navigate the complexities of the EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime regulations. Our expertise in technical management, digitalisation and sustainable ship management practices ensures that your fleet remains compliant and efficient in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape.

Through our innovative decarbonisation arm, Azolla, we offer cutting-edge solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance fuel efficiency. By integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices, Azolla helps clients achieve their environmental targets while maintaining operational excellence.

Join us in shaping green shipping.

Discover more about our innovative solutions and sustainability efforts: •

Compliance with EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime

•

Technical Management Expertise

•

Advanced Digital Solutions

•

Sustainable Ship Management Practices

Scan to explore

our services

Singapore | India | USA | Hong Kong | Philippines | South Korea | Denmark | Japan | UAE | Germany | Australia | China Turkey | Indonesia | Norway

EDITOR'S COMMENT

SHIP CONCEPT 2035 www.splash247.com

The site for incisive, exclusive maritime news and views

www.splash247.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Sam Chambers sam@asiashippingmedia.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Adis Adjin adis@asiashippingmedia.com CORRESPONDENT Bojan Lepic bojan@asiashippingmedia.com

Our take on tomorrow’s ship

N

or-Shipping likes to think of

not set for a massive change in terms of

itself as the maritime event in the

overall shape. It is inside the vessel where

calendar that addresses the future

everything is ready for a huge shake-up.

of our industry, and visitors to this year’s

To assess the design of tomorrow’s

event will, no doubt, face a barrage of

ships we’ve factored in incoming

tech pronouncements on how ships will

regulations, the runners and riders in

transform in the coming decade.

the future fuel race, changing seafarer

When compiling this magazine

skillsets, port constraints, shipyards,

identifying how ships will operate

connectivity, and artificial intelligence.

and look like in 2035, which is being

Your views on all these topics are carried

distributed at the Norwegian show, we

on page 48. Our own conclusion? Ships

wanted to seek the views of owners,

of the future will still cross oceans—but

operators, charterers, managers, specialist

they'll do it with some sails, and lots of

GENERAL MANAGER Victor Halder victor@asiashippingmedia.com

service providers, and, most importantly

sensors and software.

Advertising agents are also based in Tokyo, Seoul and Oslo – to contact a local agent please email grant@ asiashippingmedia.com for details.

being installed on ships do not seek

All editorial material should be sent to sam@asiashippingmedia.com COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Grant Rowles grant@asiashippingmedia.com

MEDIA KITS ARE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AT WWW.SPLASH247.COM/ADVERTISING All commercial material should be sent to grant@asiashippingmedia.com

seafarers.

Too often the gizmos and hardware enough input and feedback from the folk who are actually going to have to use them. If you design in isolation, you create

Sam Chambers

cost, resistance, and risk. I reckon future

Editor

platform companies will differentiate

Splash

themselves by embedding operational feedback loops — including from crew — into design. The seafarer viewpoint, often neglected, features very prominently with no apologies on most of the following pages.

DESIGN Belinda Printed in Hong Kong Copyright © Asia Shipping Media Pte Ltd (ASM), 2025 Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this review is correct, the publishers accept no liability for any inaccuracies or omissions that may occur. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval systems or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission of the copyright owner.

For reprints of specific articles contact grant@ asiashippingmedia.com.

We polled our readership on a huge range of topics to gauge opinion on how dramatically different ships coming out of shipyards in 10 years’ time will look like. The results? Frankly, you, dear reader, seem to think the exteriors of 2035 newbuilds will look mighty similar to today. Yes, there might be some large fuel tanks on deck, and some form of wind propulsion, but overall ships are

A PROMINENT PURE-PLAY CAPESIZE SHIPPING COMPANY LISTED IN THE U.S. CAPITAL MARKETS

INTRODUCTION

How ships will look in 10 years’ time Splash reaches for its crystal ball

Wallem: Your trusted partner for a safer, greener, and smarter maritime future

About Wallem Group Wallem supports the complete vessel lifecycle. Leveraging in-house expertise to the full, we combine our experience and a forward-thinking outlook to ensure the highest standards in safety as well as technical and commercial performance.

9/F Dorset House, Taikoo Place 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong +852 2876 8888 www.wallem.com

Scan QR code to visit our website

INTRODUCTION

The smartest ships may look familiar from the quayside, but function entirely differently from within

T

he shipping industry is on

CEO of Greek owner Seanergy Maritime,

the cusp of one of its most

puts it: “Function will still dictate form,

transformative decades. Driven

though sustainability demands will

“The shipping industry stands at a

by decarbonisation, digitalisation, and

reshape certain visible elements over

pivotal transformative moment, driven

a shifting geopolitical landscape, the

time.”

by digitalisation and decarbonisation,”

vessels that traverse our oceans in 2035

If the outside will evolve slowly,

The strongest tailwind in shipping’s transformation is decarbonisation.

says Nick Copley, co-CEO of Ocean

may look similar at first glance—but

the inside will undergo a radical

Technologies Group. “First movers who

beneath the surface, they’ll be smarter,

transformation, experts surveyed for this

embrace innovation stand to gain a clear

cleaner, and more efficient, shaped by

magazine suggest.

and lasting competitive advantage.”

technological innovation and regulatory pressure.

While hull shapes may remain largely familiar, function is set to redefine the form.

“Externally, we need to expect

“In 10 years, the smartest ships may

“Economy of scale, engine

look familiar from the quayside, but

optimisation, and environmental

function entirely differently from within,”

pressures have historically driven

says Chaudhry.

design,” says Kristin Omholt-Jensen, the

Digital control rooms, sensor-

CEO of Maritime Optima, a shipping

integrated systems, and AI-assisted

intelligence firm. “Now, carbon emissions

evolutionary, rather than revolutionary,

operations will be standard, according

will drive change—sails, propellers, dual

change,” says Ajay Chaudhry, CEO

to Shah Irani, chief technology officer

fuels—all will influence the future.”

of shipmanagement at Synergy

at Fleet Management, who predicts a

Marine Group. “Constraints like port

convergence of artificial intelligence

to address regulatory requirements

infrastructure and classification limits

for predictive safety and operational

in particular around emissions and

will inevitably curtail radical redesigns.”

decisions, internet of things to enable

to promote improving operational

“Vessel design will continue to evolve;

Chaudhry says to expect visible

real-time monitoring and diagnostics,

efficiency,” says Gareth Burton, senior

additions like wind-assisted propulsion

big data analytics for route optimisation

vice president of global engineering at

systems, air lubrication systems, larger

and predictive maintenance, and finally

ABS.

and repositioned fuel tanks and some

blockchain to secure and streamline

modifications to superstructures to

logistics and compliance. These tools,

Kanghyun Song, a senior vice president

reduce wind resistance.

Irani says, will reshape everything from

at Korean Register, points out, there

navigation to fuel efficiency.

are four key uncertainties, namely fuel

As Stamatis Tsantanis, chairman and

Yet, challenges abound. As Dr

www.splash247.com 7

We can Move the World As a leading enabler of global trade, PSA empowers you to move the world.

Through operational excellence, integrated services and strategic coordination, connecting Nodes to Network, we help you master complexity.

We innovate alongside our port and supply chain partners.

Together, we can move the world's goods, for the greater good.

globalpsa.com

INTRODUCTION

The tide may bring not only compliance, but competitive advantage

price volatility, regulatory ambiguity,

BestShip, a joint venture of Wilhelmsen

technological immaturity where the

Ship Management and MPC Capital,

One barrier to rapid tech adoption

likes of fuel cells and carbon capture

adds: “A common challenge lies in the

is the inherent diversity of the shipping

are still unproven at scale, and finally

lack of accurate onboard measurement

industry.

infrastructure gaps with many ports

mechanisms to validate the business case

lacking bunkering for alternative fuels.

for new technologies. For crewmembers,

industry. Unlike land transport or

To address this, Song says new

luxury.

“Shipping is a uniquely complex

the biggest concern is often the

aviation, vessels vary significantly in

vessels will need flexible fuel systems and

complexity of maintenance associated

design, type, and operational profile,”

modular configurations that can evolve

with these solutions.”

says BestShip’s Schindler. “This lack of

as regulations and fuels mature.

For all the promise of technology, adoption must consider real-world usability.

Manufacturers must incorporate

standardisation makes it difficult for

seafarer feedback in design to ensure

technology vendors to develop solutions

safety, efficiency, and practicality.

that are universally applicable.”

The move toward smarter, greener

Tailored, modular solutions will likely

“Technologies should be employed

ships demands capital. But finally more

become the norm, allowing for fleet-

such that they are not only technically

shipowners are realising the long-term

specific customisation while maintaining

sound but also practical and usable in

payoff.

core technology platforms.

real-world maritime environments,” says

“The decarbonisation agenda is

The next decade will not completely

Eric Van Der Horn, ABS's manager of

now forcing a spend-to-save mindset,”

reshape the silhouette of ships, but

technology.

says Manish Singh, who heads up UK-

it will redefine their soul. From AI-

based advisory Aboutships. “Owners

driven decision-making to cleaner

listen to the challenges that shipowners

increasingly see digital investments and

propulsion, shipping is entering an

and crew face when adopting new

predictive tools as ways to manage opex,

era of intelligence, efficiency, and

technologies,” says Patrick Wadden,

not just capex.”

accountability. And for those who invest

“It is important to understand and

marketing and communications manager at coatings specialist GIT. Stefan Schindler, general manager of

As fuel prices fluctuate and carbon

early and wisely, the tide may bring

pricing tightens, digital optimisation

not only compliance—but competitive

becomes a strategic necessity, not a

advantage.

www.splash247.com 9

www.krs.co.kr

Journey Towards Digital Excellence At KR, we are committed to driving innovation in the maritime industry.

Our diverse range of integrated digital solutions continuously evolve to meet the dynamic needs of our clients, shaping a future where your maritime operations are more efficient, sustainable, and ahead of the curve.

｜ Classification ｜ Certification ｜ Decarbonization ｜ Digital Solutions ｜ Cyber Security ｜

REGULATIONS

The best-written rules don’t seem to change much at sea

Can global legislation keep up?

Splash identifies where regulators are enforcing change and where they are not

I

n global shipping, we often talk about

Darren Shelton, a well known shipping

for gradual implementation when

regulation as a good thing – and

commentator, wrote in a recent article

technological progress is slow,” Song says.

rightly so. Rules are meant to protect

for Splash, adding: “So we must ask the

Bjorn Hojgaard, who heads up

the environment, improve safety and

harder question: what if the real issue

shipmanager Anglo-Eastern, says he

support fair labour conditions. The

isn’t the quality of regulation but the quiet

expects regulations to evolve but

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

preference for keeping it ineffective?”

legislation will still move slowly relative

and other bodies have spent decades

“Regulatory pressures remain a

to actions being taken, especially when

creating systems to guide our industry

dominant factor shaping operations,”

trying to strive for uniformity across

toward higher standards.

Emanuele Grimaldi, the chairman of the

regions.

However, progress comes way too

International Chamber of Shipping, tells

“We expect regulations to follow the

slowly, something our reader poll clearly

Splash, adding: “They demand significant

industry and for key players to take on

backs up (see page 48) with around

investment and innovation, something that

responsibility to lead in a sustainable and

three-quarters of readers believing

requires clear signals from policymakers

ethical manner alongside evolving societal

global legislation will fail to keep up with

to enable businesses to make the long-

expectations,” Hojgaard says.

technological innovation through to 2035.

term investment decisions needed.”

Concluding, Vikas Pandey, founder

Over the past decade, the failure to

Technological innovations and

and CEO of ShipFinex, a ship finance

enforce global shipping regulations

regulations are inseparable and have

specialist, suggests that with global

has seen regional bodies - led by the

always evolved together, influencing each

regulators behind the curve it will be

European Union - increasingly take

other, argues Dr Kanghyun Song, a senior

up to private initiatives and industry

matters into their own hands.

vice president at Korean Register.

consortiums to lead by example, with

“Regulations are designed to

blockchain providing traceability and

“Enforcement appears uneven. The playing field unlevel. And the best-written

encourage technological advancements

accountability to push regulatory bodies

rules don’t seem to change much at sea,”

while maintaining flexibility, allowing

forward.

www.splash247.com 11

REGULATIONS

Key new laws coming into force in the coming years

­

Carbon Intensity Indicator

­

­

­ ­

Proven dual-fuel technology.

Plan with confidence.

Lower fuel consumption

wingd.com

Reduced Methane slip and CO2 emissions

Proven design for reliability and safety

FUELS

We do not envision a one-size-fits-all fuel

What will be powering ships in the 2030s?

Our survey suggests the phase-out of traditional bunker fuel is a way off still

R

ealistic, pragmatic, or jaded?

Shipping’s long path to decarbonise

the bunker market.

Splash readers are a funny

received a kick earlier this year when

By extending the annual fuel

bunch. Despite the huge amount

member states of the International

consumption estimates calculated for

of articles and columns carried every

Maritime Organization agreed on a

2024 through to 2035, and applying

week on decarbonisation, 49% of

so-called Net Zero Framework. From

MSI’s forecasts for bunker prices, it

respondents to our survey for this

2028, when the measures will come into

is possible to project the future fuel

magazine (see page 48) reckon that the

effect, use of very low sulphur fuel oil

costs for conventionally-fuelled ships

majority of the global fleet come 2035

and compliance via the purchase of so-

alongside the projected IMO penalties.

will still be using traditional bunker fuel.

called remedial units - essentially carbon

By this approach, the IMO’s penalties

Arguably no single facet will shape

credits - could lead to costs of $2,500

would be equivalent to an 82% premium

what ships look like in 2035 more than

a day for a non-eco capesize, rising to

on top of the fleet bunker costs by 2035

fuel, so one in two readers are inferring

$15,000 a day by 2035 as standards

– almost $100bn for the 30,000 ships

vessels will not have changed much in

tighten, according to calculations from

tracked in MSI’s database.

appearance 10 years from now, even if

Clarksons Research.

From another perspective, this also

recent regulations do genuinely mean

British consultancy Maritime

ships using traditional bunker fuel will

Strategies International (MSI) has also

shipping bunker market – an annual pot

be charged a lot more to move cargoes

given an early indication of the impact

directed towards drop-in biofuels and

by 2035.

that the Net Zero Framework will have on

low carbon alternatives that could rise to

highlights the opportunity for the

www.splash247.com 15

FUELS

The new fuel levy will only lead to more expensive freight and not to actual decarbonisation

$100bn per year within the next decade.

a carbon-neutral, whatever that means,

decarbonisation for the Korean Register,

Eman Abdalla, global operations and

shipping industry within a time frame

tells Splash: “We believe that the era of

supply chain director at Cargill Ocean

consistent with preventing global

multi-fuel usage in shipping will persist

Transportation, says of the IMO’s new

warming turning from a runaway train

for quite some time.”

green rules, “There isn’t necessarily a

to a slow-motion train wreck,” he says,

well-defined business case for anybody

adding: “We will not be able to power

likely garner wider uptake we do not

to go and immediately order ships for

any meaningful number of ships with

envision a one-size-fits-all fuel,” agrees

specific zero-carbon fuels, but at least

either kites, sails, batteries, biofuel,

Bjorn Hojgaard, the CEO of Anglo-

it has definitely planted the right seeds

hydrogen or nuclear fuel quickly

Eastern, the world’s largest shipmanager.

so that we can start ordering dual fuel

enough so, whatever its level and its

“There will still be a need to consider

vessels or dual fuel capable vessels.”

formula, the new fuel levy will only lead

wider alternatives taking into account

Data from Clarksons Research shows

to more expensive freight and not to

available resources and risk mitigation

that less than 8% of the global merchant

actual decarbonisation. This extra cost

through diversification.”

fleet in gt terms today is alternative

will drive some marginal efficiency

Factors affecting relevant fuel choice,

fuel capable, although more than half

improvements, which by the way will

according to Hojgaard, will include route

of all ships on order will be able to use

probably be offset by the growth of the

distance, port infrastructure, ship size,

alternative fuels, a quintupling over the

fleet.”

ship type and regulations that may also

past decade. However, it is important to note that most dual-fuel ships coming out of yards today tend to use traditional bunker fuel most of the time.

“I don’t think anybody, including myself, has that crystal ball to say, OK, which zero-carbon fuel is going to be the answer,” Abdalla admits.

Putting his own spin on the Net Zero Framework, Splash columnist Pierre Aury has some inconvenient truths for shipping, which he shares with readers.

“There is simply no solution deployable at scale which can produce

16

“While a few leading fuel-types will

Ship Concept 2035

Dr Kanghyun Song, who heads up

differ region to region.

FUELS

Depending on vessel type and trading routes, LNG, methanol, and biofuels will

The era of multi-fuel usage in shipping will persist for quite some time

likely be the main initial options, KR’s Song reckons. Once the production of green ammonia begins in earnest, ammonia is also tipped by Song to be adopted more widely.

hubs.

Vikas Pandey, founder and CEO of

Other countries such as India,

ShipFinex, a ship finance specialist,

“For existing vessels, biofuels may

Colombia, Chile, and Egypt are also

reckons we will see a hybrid network

be the only viable alternative, but they

emerging as potential hubs for green

of retrofitted terminals, floating energy

will face a severe supply shortage due to

fuel production, according to Prakash

storage units, and AI-optimised fuel

limited production,” Song adds.

Chandra, a director at Fleet Management.

distribution networks powered by real-

“Their efforts will be vital in creating a

time data analytics.

The key factor determining the production of green fuels is the availability of clean energy sources,

robust infrastructure,” he says.

Concluding, Nick Brown, the CEO

Nuclear power is also under

of Lloyd’s Register, tells Splash: “The

which means that the generation

consideration, KR’s Song says, but he

next decade will determine the shape of

of renewable power—such as wind

warns there are still too many issues

the industry’s long-term sustainability,

and solar—will be critical. Song says

to resolve before it can be applied to

demanding not just technological

countries with strong potential for wind

commercial shipping, making near-term

advancements but also greater investment

and solar power—such as the US, China,

adoption unlikely.

in seafarers and human capital, which

Australia, and those in the Middle East— are expected to become major production

In terms of what will the fuel infrastructure will look like come 2035,

remain fundamental to creating the longterm change we need.”

www.splash247.com 17

Powered by People

We invest in the growth, development, and wellbeing of our people. We collaborate with our partners and customers to shape the future of the industry, together.

27,000+ seafarers

www.fleetship.com

1,200+

shore professionals

SEAFARERS

Are we turning a ship into a micromanaged hell?

Crewing in the digital age Splash reports from a recent, pertinent workshop at Geneva Dry, the world’s premier commodities shipping conference

K

icking off the 2025 edition of

connecting back home and having

take into account how much data this

the world’s leading commodities

less feeling of isolation, as well as

will require,” she said.

shipping event, Geneva Dry, was

operationally, because they don't have

Moving a little bit sideways, the

a specialist workshop sponsored by

to make decisions on their own, but

discussion turned to ESG and how

Inmarsat exploring how connectivity at

also she noted that although massive

connectivity is helping the increasing

sea drives digitalisation, decarbonisation

changes are taking place, this is far from

requirement for collecting data and

and particularly crew welfare.

universal.

reporting.

Hosting the panel, prior to the main

“I was shocked to hear that 13% of

conference at the Hotel President Wilson

vessels still don't provide connectivity

maritime consultancy Novamaxis,

in the Swiss city of Geneva, Richard

to their crew,” she said, "but things are

highlighted that, while there are positive

Watts, managing director of HR Maritime,

changing rapidly; there's been a lot of

and negative impacts of connectivity

tasked a stellar lineup of speakers with

disruption in terms of connectivity and

increasing, it is “the first real disruptor”

giving a rundown on the subject of how

how it's delivered."

that we see on a technology basis in the

Peter Schellenberger, founder of

crewing and operations have changed in

From the perspective of Silje Moan,

maritime sector that could hopefully be

the digital age and how different areas of

chief commercial officer of Norwegian

followed by many others if put in the

shipping and shipmanagement are being

maritime software developer Dualog,

right frame.

impacted.

changes in connectivity onboard ships

“Now we can start thinking about what

The first panellist to address the room

over the last 10 years have been moving

we are going to do with it meaningfully,”

was Audra Drablos, strategy director

towards a high- or office-like bandwidth,

he said.

at maritime connectivity specialist

low-latency situation.

Schellenberger noted that

Inmarsat, describing vessels in the

“We can move from focusing on

past as remote islands compared to

saving costs on bits and bytes and

connection hubs or remote offices that

compressing absolutely everything to

“If, as a company, you want to be

they are today.

“surprisingly or not”, connectivity is still the number one driver for the crew.

focusing more on what kind of value we

relevant and retain and win new people,

Drablos argued that things have

can bring to the end user onboard and

then these are the tools that you have to

really changed for crews in terms of

also in the office. Now we don't have to

provide almost no matter what the cost

www.splash247.com 19

Great teams don’t form by chance, they’re built by design The world’s leading maritime companies trust Ocean Technologies Group to help hire, train, and manage high-performing teams—in one ecosystem.

Hire with confidence – Select top talent with accurate assessments.

Develop stronger teams – Upskill crew with career-building tools.

Ensure excellence – Stay audit-ready with digital training and certification.

Reduce admin - Automate workflows to free up time for what matters.

Join 1,400+ maritime leaders building better teams today.

Learn more at oceantg.com

Ocean Technologies Group Powering teams that deliver for people and planet

SEAFARERS

is,” he said, adding that a move to declare

connectivity as an enabler, not just for

restricting time so that they can manage

connectivity a basic human right for a

the commercial work, but also for the

fatigue. Basically, they don't want the

seafarer is something worth pursuing.

crew.

crew to be on the internet for such long

Speaking of challenges that

“So, going forward, I think the shift

come along with better connectivity,

would be towards having more enabled

Schellenberger called attention to

vessels,” he said.

loneliness onboard when people

periods of time,” she said.

However, she also maintained that this is done due to the sense of camaraderie

The panel was put on the spot

on vessels, because, in the past, most

disappear in their bunks, a lack of team

again with the moderator’s question

people spent their time in mess rooms.

building and onshore offices pushing

on whether a move towards more

more work for their colleagues at sea.

connectivity is seen as all positive or if it

the mess room, I think, is also another

is a little bit more nuanced than that.

important thing that we need to think

“It's not an enablement of the vessel; it's an overload of bureaucracy,” he stressed.

The microphone was then handed to Shubpreet Singh, senior managing director of strategy delivery at

Singh argued for the latter, saying that if connectivity is not used properly, the crew onboard could actually get disabled.

“As we are getting more connectivity,

"So, bringing the crew back into

about now that we have so much internet connectivity,” she argued.

In terms of regulating the crew, Singh reminded delegates that back when the master used to sail out without

shipmanager V.Ships, who emphasised

we have to unlearn some of the things

connectivity, ships still worked. "It's

that the company has a standard of what

that we used to do in the past and, you

not as if we had a disaster every day,"

it wants as a minimum connectivity, but

know, relearn,” he said, explaining that

he said, adding, "Internet connectivity

that not all vessels are at the same level.

for the masters onboard, the idea is not

onboard for crew is like a kid in a candy

“I have to admit that there are vessels

to always take their autonomy away and

shop and if you try to control it, you will

that are more progressive. Vessels that

that managers as well as owners also

have challenging conversations."

are delivered new from the yard come

have to be mindful and have checks and

with certain packages for monitoring the

balances put in place for the mental

the crew, when they're deciding whether

main engines or the systems onboard,

health of the seafarers.

to join, the first question they ask is

and we, as managers, see the benefit of it.”

Inmarsat’s Drablos shared that the

Meanwhile, Drablos said that a lot of

about the internet onboard.

company is seeing a lot of customers

"I don't know anyone on land asking

Still, he observed that “the needle

asking whether they can control the

that question in a recruitment process,"

and the drivers” for most of the vessels

amount of internet that's provided.

she said, noting that it also has to do

are pointing to having better and more

“We are getting a lot of requests about

with the new population coming onto the

www.splash247.com 21

LESS IS MORE We help reduce your carbon footprint.

BSM‘s emission management services include: • Enhancing vessel performance • Ensuring compliance with CII, EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and more • Reducing OPEX and emission costs Want to find out more? www.bs-shipmanagement.com/footprint

SEAFARERS

vessels that are used to having internet all the time. "So, you know, the concept of a floating home and a floating office is something that they think is a basic need."

Dualog's Moan reckoned limiting internet use is a bit of a minefield but also revealed that certain companies have been working to create a sense of belonging for the new generation of seafarers by giving them their company identity.

Speaking from the audience, Manish Singh from Aboutships and a thirdgeneration seafarer, observed that some of the language used during the panel, if seafarers were in the room, they would find it "borderline patronising, if not offensive".

"So we are trusting them with our ships, with our cargo, with the safety of life and the marine environment, but we can't trust them with connectivity?

we treat our seafarers equitably, rightly,"

it's about getting the information right

Try having that conversation with your

he divulged.

here, right now. From a shipmanager's

children at home. That will tell you where

Adding to the discussion, Dimitris

this rhetoric needs to move on," he said.

Monioudis, chairman of the technical

He further stressed that shipmanagers

committee of INTERCARGO, reminded

perspective, it's about getting things right all the time," he said.

Discussion drew to a close with

need to stop taking ships that don't

the panel of the necessity of all

remarks on autonomous ships, with

have the basic levels of connectivity

stakeholders to take part.

Inmarsat's Drablos saying that with the

and welfare and that the conversation

"Rather than just putting all the focus

levels of connectivity that the industry

has to move to digitalisation and

on the crew or the shipmanager, we

is seeing, "it could leapfrog us, but

decarbonisation.

should take into account the obligations

regulation is going to be a burden there

that other stakeholders, such as ports,

for sure".

Singh from V.Ships agreed that seafarers don't need to be patronised and

fuel suppliers, and charterers have. So,

that the company is already preparing

everybody has to play their part," he

having autonomous ships as the goal

them for the new types of vessels,

asserted.

but instead about running an efficient

but that in this mass of the seafaring

The final question from the audience

Dualog's Moan believed it is not about

ship. "I don't think the goal should be

community that's not really linked to

came from Graeme Somerville-Ryan,

to remove the crew but rather to find

owners or managers, at some time they

founder of Eyesea, asking, "Are we

the correct balance of using IT and the

could lose people, and that there have

turning a ship into a micromanaged

digital to run it efficiently," she said.

to be many other solutions that have to

hell?"

be reasons for the seafarers to stay with that company.

"There are a lot of intangible things

Coming from the manager's

Schellenberger closed the session by saying, "What is quite clear is that as long

perspective, Singh told delegates that

as we don't have standardisation of the

there's a lot of "instant gratification"

technology, we will always have people

that need to be done, and it's really a

wanted from ships these days, which was

onboard. So, I will reassure the seafarers

battle of hearts and minds. We are very

not the case in the past.

who want to join the trade; we will need

much at the mercy of making sure that

"From a very commercial perspective,

them for a long time."

www.splash247.com 23

Nick Chubb, founder of UK maritime tech consultancy Thetius, gets creative, giving readers a guided tour of a methanol-powered ship traversing the world’s oceans in late 2030.

The Sustainable Solution: Liberia's Green Ship Recycling Program Aligned with the IMO's Hong Kong Convention Scan the QR for more information about our program L F I Y LISCR.COM

PORTS

Digital efficiency drivers on land Maritime tech experts discuss how to make sure ships spend less time in port

A

ny holistic report into how ships will operate in the future needs to look at the ports side of the

business.

What more can be done to ensure

navigate that change.

Kicking off the session, moderator

have finally provided the infrastructure necessary for widespread innovation.

Cynthia Worley, vice president of

However, cultural conservatism and

strategic accounts at UK-based

resistance to change still hamper

technology firm Sedna, underscored the

adoption.

ships spend less time at port? Are

overwhelming pace of digitalisation,

terminals doing enough to drive

with AI tools like ChatGPT dominating

of analytics at maritime tech firm

efficiency across the supply chain?

conversations, yet many professionals

Marcura, built on Palmer’s points by

These two questions were scrutinised

remain unsure about where to begin or

identifying mindset, fear of dark data, and

at the recent Digital Efficiency Drivers

what questions to ask.

integration complexity as key barriers.

At Port session at Geneva Dry, the

Janani Yagnamurthy, vice president

Ben Palmer, president of Inmarsat

She emphasised that legacy systems,

world’s premier commodities shipping

Maritime, emphasised that reliable, real-

while functional, often discourage

conference, where delegates were given a

time connectivity is essential for ports

experimentation and that many ports are

glimpse of the technology driving change

and terminals to function efficiently.

paralysed by the sheer volume of data.

on land.

He drew parallels between the shipping

She shared the example of the Port

The central theme revolved around

industry and manufacturing facilities,

of Gijón in Spain, which successfully

transforming talk of innovation into

explaining that while the maritime sector

adopted a modular, non-disruptive digital

actionable strategies, real-world

is inherently interconnected, it suffers

approach. Rather than replacing systems

examples, and measurable results.

from a lack of true digital integration.

outright, they layered sensors over

With a panel of seasoned professionals

Palmer highlighted the need for

existing infrastructure to start small and

across maritime technology and

always-on, global, secure connectivity—

scale progressively. This phased model

analytics, the session explored the digital

likening it to oxygen for digitalisation.

respected financial and operational

transformation sweeping ports and

He noted that recent advances in

constraints and allowed data maturity to

terminals globally, and how to practically

satellite-based, multi-band connectivity

grow organically.

www.splash247.com 25

HIGHLAND MARITIME SHIP MANAGEMENT COMPANY CELEBRATING 15 YEARS of GREAT SERVICE !

SERVICES

EXPERIENCE

CLIENTS

OUR SERVICES:

BULK

CONTAINER / MPP

Our staff experience covers some 30 vessels ranging in size from 1,100teu to 3,500teu, geared and gearless, reefer fitted, running on intensive scheduled services regionally within Asia, North/South America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand .

Our staff experience covers some 26 units including Dive/ROV Support vessels, AHTS, Heavy Lift Shear Leg barges, Jack-ups, Drillships, SemiSubmersible Drilling units and FSO projects.

NEWBUILDING SUPERVISION

STS/LIGHTERING

RORO / ROPAX

Our staff experience covers some 80 bulk vessels ranging in size from small multipurpose bulkers through Handysize, Supramax, Ultramax, Panamax to Capesize vessels trading regionally and worldwide.

Our newbuild team project experience is based on various shipping and offshore newbuild projects over a 7 year track record.

+66-81-845-6269

Our staff experience includes full management of STS/Lightering vessel / Terminal for eight years.

Offloading Capesize, Panamax and Ultramax vessels with the industrial high-cycling Tsuji cranes, then transferring from storage holds via EMS-TECH high spread conveyor and 75meter boom to shallow draft tug & barge trains.

www.Highland-Maritime.com

OFFSHORE

Our staff experience covers several RoRo, Pure Car Carrier and RoPax vessels supported by long experienced colleagues in Europe, China and Japan, RoRo and RoPax sectors.

Andrew@Highland-Maritime.com

We Manage... ...You Smile!

PORTS

Ingrid Kylstad, managing director of Norwegian solutions provider Klaveness Digital, stressed the importance of not just acquiring digital tools, but also integrating them strategically into workflows. The real value, she argued, comes from transforming how teams operate—not merely digitising existing inefficiencies.

Kylstad warned against buying highpotential tools without internal process redesign, drawing a vivid analogy of buying a Ferrari and driving it like a Fiat. Without adapting workflows and ensuring integration, the true ROI remains untapped, leading to eventual disillusionment, she told delegates.

The industry must adopt new tools and embrace a new mindset

Evangelos Efstathiou, CEO of Burmester & Vogel, a laytime and

and ownership, resulting in increased

industry-wide standardisation less critical

demurrage software company, noted

internal innovation.

than it once was.

that historical resistance to automation

The discussion turned toward the

Efstathiou and Inmarsat’s Palmer

stemmed from fragmented tools and

untapped potential of operational data.

agreed that while different segments

a lack of standardisation. However,

Kylstad stressed that while many systems

face unique challenges, shared-value

with the advent of SaaS platforms and

now promote transparency and efficiency,

ecosystems can offer immense benefits.

APIs, seamless integration is now more

the real opportunity lies in using that

They encouraged open communication,

attainable than ever. He advocated for

data to develop new business models—

shared KPIs, and collaborative platforms

incremental wins to build momentum—

not just for cost savings, but for revenue

as a future model.

starting with small, demonstrable benefits

generation.

to encourage internal buy-in.

Yagnamurthy foresaw a need to

Efstathiou echoed this by citing

“unlearn every five years” due to rapid

Yuriy Kizlevych, co-founder of

an example where a client requested

changes in AI models and workforce

Overhorn Swiss, a port management

dashboards to prioritise only high-risk

expectations.

specialist, supported this by highlighting

voyages, streamlining focus. Aggregating

the global disparity in terminal

such data could help all stakeholders

the ability to unlearn and relearn every

performance. He advocated for sharing AI-

benchmark performance and identify

few years will be crucial. Maritime

driven operational data transparently with

gaps.

operations are shifting fast, performance

stakeholders to drive optimisation and

Port documentation remains a

“As AI and digital ecosystems evolve,

metrics are changing, IT is becoming

competitive advantage. This multi-model,

bottleneck in many operations delegates

operational, and digital agility will be

data-sharing environment, he argued,

were told. Yagnamurthy from Marcura

a defining capability. To stay relevant,

could significantly reshape trade patterns.

addressed the inconsistencies in format,

the industry must adopt new tools and

language, and metadata in critical

embrace a new mindset,” Yagnamurthy

enables transformation, trust is what

documents like statements of facts (SOFs),

said.

sustains it. Digital adoption is as much a

notices of readiness, and bills of lading.

In his closing remarks, Burmester &

human challenge as a technical one. Tools

She recommended robust master data

Vogel’s Efstathiou advised the audience to

must empower employees rather than

management, data governance, and the use

take an active role—don’t wait for vendors

replace them, with training, clarity, and

of AI to extract, standardise, and interpret

to deliver a perfect solution. Engage,

inclusion key to overcoming scepticism.

such data—ultimately turning it into an

experiment, and drive collaboration

asset rather than a liability.

between stakeholders, he said, advising

The panel agreed that while technology

An audience member shared a success story of cloud migration followed by a

Kylstad suggested that the rise of tools

that the technology gap between consumer

deliberate pause to let employees catch

like ChatGPT and intelligent automation

and enterprise tools is narrowing quickly,

up. Rather than pushing for continuous

will increasingly simplify and democratize

and those who move fast and smart will

upgrades, they emphasised empowerment

access to complex documents, making

win the competitive edge.

www.splash247.com 27

NexusWave

Fully managed bonded connectivity service

Multi-orbit, multi-band network: globally reliable Ka-band, low-latency high speed LEO, coastal LTE and resilient L-band Multiple high-speed networks: future ViaSat-3 upgrade bringing additional high speed bandwidth when and where it’s needed most, even in hotspots Seamless network bonding: unique SD-WAN technology aggregating available capacity to maximise throughput and enable ‘always-on’ connectivity with unlimited data Connected confidence inmarsat.com/NexusWave *ViaSat-3 – Coming soon

Connected Confidence

Connectivity With Inmarsat A special report

CONNECTIVITY WITH

‘The opportunity to transform is fantastic’ Splash sits down with Ben Palmer, the president of Inmarsat Maritime, to discuss the challenges and opportunities for change in shipping over the coming decade

S

hipping is entering an exciting, potentially transformative era over the coming decade, reckons

Ben Palmer, the president of Inmarsat

regulation will be a brake on progress

Maritime. The question he has though is

with more monitoring and all kinds of

innovation as weakened by fragmentation

whether the industry will be able to grab

applications,” he says, while cautioning:

- whether by geography, scale, or flag -

all the opportunities out there, or will its

“I do have a concern. There is clearly a

as well as its relatively under regulated

conservative, fragmented nature hold it

huge opportunity, lots of drivers to do

nature.

back?

this, but will shipping have the gumption,

“The fundamental shipping business

“The absence of really muscular

the ambition to do this? Shipping has

standardisation and regulation will be a

model has not changed since the 18th

historically not been the earliest adopter,

brake on progress,” he says.

century,” Palmer tells Splash. “Over the

so I would say the jury is still out.”

The other issue that needs addressing

last 50 years, ships have got fatter, faster

Palmer insists today’s more forward

and longer but they still look pretty much

thinking players are seeing the business

strides in the coming decade surrounds

like they did after World War II.”

case for tech-enabled ships, others in this

recruitment.

With connectivity growing exponentially, ships and their operations are set for change, Palmer says. This started with crew welfare, and is

fragmented business less so.

“I see a lot more doing, but there’s still a lot of talking,” Palmer says.

Palmer became president of Inmarsat

if shipping is to make genuine tech

“The industry has an interesting challenge - attracting people to it, young people, tech savvy people at sea and on shore,” Palmer says.

now moving towards “office-like”

Maritime in late 2021, moving across

Different skillsets will be required

connectedness.

from defence contractor Northrop

by shipping’s next generation. The next

Grumman. Maritime featured in his

generation want to believe in what they

innovation going on, too. The opportunity

career earlier on with BAE Systems, which

are doing, to work for a sustainable

to transform is fantastic,” Palmer says

was his first posting in the private sector

business and to use tech, Palmer says.

touching on decarbonisation, the cloud,

having started his career with the UK’s

artificial intelligence, and big data.

Ministry of Defence.

“There’s a huge amount of tech

“Ships can be less manpower intensive

30

The absence of really muscular standardisation and

Ship Concept 2035

Palmer sees shipping’s appetite for

“Shipping has to get better at telling its story. The fierce war for talent is visceral,” Palmer concludes.

CONNECTIVITY WITH

Free for all?

The so-called office onboard will be achieved by full broadband internet free for all for how much of the fleet by 2035?

C

onnected ships are all the rage these days, discussed at length

By 2035, full broadband will be a baseline expectation

at myriad shipping conferences

and at boardrooms across the world.

thanks to the sheer growth in data

Improved bandwidth is changing the

collection, analysis, action, and CCTV

with terrestrial levels of connectivity

business of shipping and how vessels

monitoring and interaction requirements

is so attractive that laggards will find

and crews operate far out at sea, all

outstripping capacity growth.

it difficult to compete with connected

happening at astonishing speed and

More optimistic is Stamatis Tsantanis,

yet Splash readers do not believe this

chairman and CEO of Greek owner

advance will spread across all ships in the

Seanergy Maritime.

years ahead. Just 10% of readers in our

“Thanks to falling satellite costs and

“The cost/benefit of equipping ships

fleets,” Singh maintains.

Turning to the office onboard part of the question posed to readers, Ajay Chaudhry, CEO of shipmanagement at

survey (see results on page 48) believe

rising demand for crew welfare and

Synergy Marine Group, says this will

so-called office onboard will be achieved

operational connectivity, a large portion

mean cultural and working practice shifts

for 100% of the global merchant fleet by

- say 75% - of the fleet will likely have

as it will involve more digital workflow,

full free broadband internet by 2035.

free, full broadband access—though full

cross-functional meetings, and real-time

coverage across all vessels may take

owner access.

It’s unlikely that full internet broadband will be free for all onboard by

longer,” Tsantanis tells Splash.

“Connectivity must be paired with

2035 or later, says Tore Morten Olsen,

Peter Schellenberger, founder of

president of maritime at Marlink, a digital

Novomaxis, a shipping consultancy,

operations, access documents, and

solutions provider.

sees a minimum of 95% having free full

interact with experts without bandwidth

capability—the ability to conduct critical

“As we have seen in other areas of

broadband in 10 years time, citing the

barriers,” says Chaudhry, adding: “By

life and business, users pay one way or

2027 launch of Amazon’s Kuiper service

2035, this will be a standard expectation,

the other and remote communication

as a “game changer”.

rather than an innovation.”

at sea requires more than the average

“By 2035, full broadband will be

deployment of hardware and software,”

a baseline expectation, especially for

MarinePALS, a training specialist,

Olsen explains, predicting greater

vessels over 20,000 dwt,” argues Manish

concludes by telling Splash how he

competition as new low Earth orbit (LEO)

Singh, the head of Aboutships, a maritime

is very much against the whole office

providers offer services and a tiered

advisory.

onboard thinking.

market in terms of solutions provided at multiple price points.

Pradeep Chawla, the founder of

The bigger shift for Singh will be how

“Seafarers have reached their limits

this connectivity enables truly integrated

with the number of tasks that they have

It’s unlikely to be free for all anytime

fleet operations — where ship and shore

to do. Yes, we need to give broadband

soon, concurs Andrew Airey, who heads

are in constant sync, making decisions

onboard, but not for pushing more tasks

up Thai shipmanager Highland Maritime,

together in real time.

to the ship’s staff,” Chawla says.

www.splash247.com 31

CONNECTIVITY WITH

Prolonging a career at sea Can improved connectivity onboard lead to more seafarers extending their time onboard before pursuing a career ashore?

S

hipping faces a shortage of qualified staff at sea, a problem

Improved connectivity is an essential expectation for people coming out to sea

that risks becoming more acute

over the next 10 years.

One way to help fix the problem is to ensure people stay longer in their jobs

By 2028, Schellenberger predicts that

real-time, and maintain a connection with the outside world, which can reduce

at sea with many experts saying for this

90% of quality vessels will have a LEO

the emotional distance between shore

to happen connectivity must improve.

type comms plan.

and sea, alleviate feelings of being alone

The availability of internet access is

“By staying connected with family and

during long ocean voyages, boost morale,

now a critical factor in seafarers' career

accessing digital resources, seafarers

and create a more positive and motivated

decisions, something that will only

can enjoy a better quality of life, which

work environment.

become more important in the years

can positively impact their wellbeing and

By enhancing work efficiency and

ahead.

job satisfaction. This, in turn, may lead

providing access to a wealth of online

“Improved connectivity is an essential

to longer tenures at sea,” says Stamatis

options in their free time, a more

expectation for people coming out to

Tsantanis, chairman and CEO of Greek

rewarding work-life balance can be

sea,” says Pradeep Chawla, the CEO of

owner Seanergy Maritime.

achieved. From communicating with

training specialist MarinePALS. “You

Improved internet access can

family and friends, managing personal

cannot explain to an 18-year-old who

significantly reduce feelings of

matters, and following the latest news to

is used to connectivity of one gbps to

loneliness and isolation amongst

watching sports, movies, and listening

accept a VSAT connection of two or four

seafarers. The ability to stay connected

to music, a reliable internet connection

mbps.”

with family and friends via video calls,

opens up a world of opportunities to

“New entrants may not even join the

32

who runs Novamaxis, a consultancy.

messaging, and social media can help

seafarers, allowing them to relax and

industry if the comms plans are not

seafarers remain a part of family

enjoy their free time as they wish, which

conducive,” warns Peter Schellenberger,

milestones and important life events in

is essential for their overall wellbeing.

Ship Concept 2035

CONNECTIVITY WITH

We have to stop waving connectivity as a magic wand

“The work-life balance can make a

educational resources. Staying informed

the industry, which can be a strong

career at sea more sustainable,” says

and entertained can make their time

motivator for extending their time at sea.

Niraj Nanda, chief commercial officer of

onboard more fulfilling,” says Shah

Manish Singh, a former seafarer and

shipmanagement giant Anglo-Eastern.

Irani, chief technology officer at Fleet

shipmanager who now runs advisory

Management.

Aboutships, cautions readers that

“Connectivity helps facilitate meaningful social interaction with

Moreover, as Nanda points out

connectivity by itself is not a panacea to

friends and family ashore and supports

access to online medical and mental

recreational engagement like browsing

healthcare services, therapy, and video

and streaming—both of which ease

consultations by trained professionals

as a magic wand,” he says, predicting

the psychological burden of long

can help reduce the distance between

that even “laggard” fleets will have fast,

voyages,” says Ajay Chaudhry, CEO of

specialists and the seafarers who

reliable and cheap internet soon.

shipmanagement at Synergy Marine

may require their services. This can

“Longer term crew retention has more

Group.

positively impact the physical and

to do with a sense of inclusion, purpose

the seafarer shortage issue.

“We have to stop waving connectivity

“By prioritising safety, improved

psychological wellbeing of seafarers

and through-career visibility,” Singh

connectivity onboard can positively

by improving medical care onboard,

argues.

impact seafarers to extend their careers

thus reducing the need for port visits,

Better connectivity helps with

at sea,” Nanda says. “Better connectivity

medical sign-offs and diversions, and

wellbeing and continuity, he concedes,

can help improve operational efficiency

the relevant costs.

but retention also needs recognition,

and the well-being of seafarers onboard,

With access to online courses and

upskilling, and agency for colleagues

thereby contributing to a more fulfilling

studies, seafarers can further their

and secure work environment,” he says.

knowledge, training, and qualifications

“I envisage seafarers will feel more

“Improved connectivity allows

onboard.

during their free time onboard. This

connected into the overall workflow as

seafarers to access news, digital banking

enables seafarers to enhance their

we embrace a connected and data-driven

and services, entertainment, and

skills and advance in their careers in

ecosystem,” Singh concludes.

www.splash247.com 33

CONNECTIVITY WITH

Bandwidth bonus

Will improved connectivity onboard improve competence in shipping?

I

mproved onboard connectivity significantly enhances competence in shipping, according to many people

We’ve seen best results when connectivity enables, not replaces, professional development

surveyed for this magazine.

Enhanced connectivity facilitates

smoother digital operations. Competence

better performance in vetting and port

real-time communication between

increases as crews can access updated

state control inspections.

onboard crews and shore-based teams.

safety protocols, predictive maintenance

Through video conferencing and

alerts, and decision support tools,” says

shipmanagement at Synergy Marine

collaborative platforms, seafarers can

Shah Irani, chief technology officer of

Group, maintains that real-time access to

receive immediate guidance, partake in

Fleet Management.

simulators, troubleshooting support and

virtual training sessions, and engage in

Tore Morten Olsen, president of

knowledge sharing, thereby improving

maritime at Marlink, questions whether

learning into what he describes as a

operational efficiency and decision-

accessing training remotely between

“continuous loop”. However, the tech

making.

work and sleep is the right environment.

must be complemented by human

Andrew Airey, who heads up Thai

“Training that builds competence

feedback on performance all transform

systems, Chaudhry argues.

shipmanager Highland Maritime,

- whether in person, remote or virtual

argues that if connectivity brings true

- needs to be delivered in the right

accountability. We’ve seen best results

assistance to shipboard personnel in

environment to encourage learning and

when connectivity enables, not replaces,

more efficiently handling their duties and

teamwork,” Olsen says.

professional development,” Chaudhry

“Leadership, feedback culture, and

reducing their workload and stress levels

Pradeep Chawla, the founder of

then it can clearly improve the industry.

MarinePALS, a training specialist,

vessels that are far out to sea become

has statistics that back up how online

floating learning environments that

training directly leads to better safety and

empower crew to solve problems in real

“Enhanced bandwidth enables realtime training, remote mentoring, and

34

Ajay Chaudhry, the CEO of

Ship Concept 2035

says. “With the right infrastructure, even

CONNECTIVITY WITH

Real-time performance feedback, shore-based support, and system diagnostics become possible with connected ships

time.”

competency much more agile especially

innovative technologies, including

Connectivity is only the toolbox or

when regulations are moving fast and

drone deliveries, augmented reality,

enabler, argues Peter Schellenberger, the

people want to respond to dynamic

and AI, to further drive efficiency and

head of Novomaxis, a consultancy.

threats,” Goubert says.

sustainability. A notable example is

“It is now up to the industry to find

Improved connectively also opens

correct use cases and applications to

up the possibility of richer learning

support, which revolutionises equipment

maximise efficiency,” he says, stressing

experiences such as cloud simulation,

troubleshooting and enables swift issue

the importance of training for both

virtual reality, and gamification, he adds.

resolution without requiring on-site

shore and seagoing staff. "Applications

In terms of operations, connectivity

the company’s remote maintenance

specialists.

are live faster than regulations so it is

is crucial in facilitating technology

up to the companies to work with their

deployment and digitalisation of the

will improve, according to Manish

learning providers to cover the ground,”

maritime industry.

Singh, the founder of British advisory

Schellenberger says.

“Reliable connectivity allows for

It’s not just competence, per se, that

Aboutships. Decision making will change

Quite so, agrees Nicholas Goubert,

real-time monitoring and management of

co-CEO of online learning giant Ocean

vessel operations, including navigation

Technologies Group.

and maintenance. This leads to optimised

shore-based support, and system

massively, he says.

“Real-time performance feedback,

Improved connectivity onboard

fuel consumption, reduced downtime, and

diagnostics become possible with

promises massive gains in the speed

improved safety,” says Niraj Nanda, chief

connected ships,” Singh says, discussing

of deployment whereby as soon as a

commercial officer of Anglo-Eastern.

the rise of embedded training, remote

solution is ready it can be consumed

Reliable connectivity is also

by seafarers wherever they are located,

essential for driving innovation in

compliance — all of which he believes

Goubert says.

the maritime industry. Anglo-Eastern,

will raise technical competence and

for instance, continues to explore

reduce human error.

“This makes the process of building

decision support, and automated

www.splash247.com 35

CONNECTIVITY WITH

How the daily routines of seafarers will evolve How much of daily manual operations at sea will be made redundant by 2035?

H

ow has your job changed over the

training, remote support, and real-

past 10 years? Is the workload

time data exchange, contributing to

similar? That’s the kind of

better decision-making and operational

That said, Chaudhry does admit machinery reliability also needs to evolve.

thoughts we asked Splash readers to

competence,” says Masaki Matsunaga,

contemplate in our survey with one of the

executive vice president at ClassNK, who,

treatment and exhaust scrubbers continue

key questions posed asking how much

like Copley, sees seafarers continuing

to demand significant manual intervention

of daily manual operations at sea will be

to carry out the majority of manual

across the fleet—highlighting that

made redundant by 2035.

operations.

automation must be paired with robust

“Systems such as ballast water

For all the hype about tech’s ability

Routine monitoring, reporting,

to streamline every facet of work, most

and maintenance diagnostics will be

respondents felt that the vast majority

automated or shifted ashore by 2035,

Manish Singh, who leads Aboutships,

of manual operations would still be

predicts Ajay Chaudhry, who heads up

a UK maritime advisory, sees up to half

performed by seafarers 10 years from now

shipmanagement at Synergy Marine

of repetitive tasks disappearing from

(see results on page 48).

Group.

seafarer daily routines come 2035.

design and ongoing technical support,” he points out.

“We see technology as an enabler that

“We anticipate up to 40% automation of

will remove a lot of the mundane repetitive

current manual tasks over the next decade,

from done while at sea to done while in

tasks allowing maritime professionals at

but also a commensurate rise in new skill

port and involve in-port crew,” he says.

sea and ashore to focus on the parts of the

demands for those going out to sea,”

operation where they can add more value,”

Chaudhry tells Splash.

says Nick Copley, co-CEO of Ocean Technologies Group, a training specialist.

However, tasks requiring immediate

“Some maintenance activities will shift

Retained roles will focus on watchkeeping, critical safety and compliance, mooring, cargo care, repairs

judgment, evaluation, or coordination,

and maintenance, Singh reckons while

Advancements in automation will

and any form of emergency response, will

a lot of the onboard workflow will

change the way work is performed, and

always need people onboard, he stresses.

be digitally assisted in areas such as

possibly where those jobs are performed,

As an example, Chaudhry sites how the

reporting, routing, and documentation.

according to Copley, but seafaring

first law of the sea is to help those in

knowledge and skills will still be needed

peril, saying it is hard to see how an

sensors onboard, decision support

to ensure safe, reliable and responsible

autonomous vessel could undertake even

systems, and AI tools, much of the manual

shipping for many years to come.

the most basic of the search and rescue

monitoring and form-filling will go,” Singh

operations that seafarers perform every

predicts.

“Enhanced connectivity facilitates

36

day.

Ship Concept 2035

"With better connectivity and extensive

CONNECTIVITY WITH

A lifeline to home and increased productivity Internet use is now a critical factor in seafarer satisfaction, something that will only accelerate in the years ahead

A

n in-depth Inmarsat survey of

on real-time data for both compliance

nearly 400 seafarers working on

and competitive advantage.

merchant ships, offshore support

pay more for better connections.

Overall, internet usage among

Around two-thirds of respondents

seafarers increases while they are in

vessels or high-end fishing vessels

put personal video or voice calls and

port, with 61% reporting higher usage

across the globe shows that seafarers

text messaging in their top three uses

and only 15% using it less. On average,

are increasingly experiencing a sense of

for connectivity. Less critical, but still

seafarers use the internet 18% more

a ‘floating home’ when it comes to their

pronounced, were top three preferences

while in port compared to when they

time onboard, a portent of what’s to come

for social media (51%), web browsing

are at sea. Although those who use their

over the next decade.

(34%) and watching movies, TV shows,

mobile phone plans often find it cheaper

Seafarers spend an average 8%

sports or other streamed content (29%).

than vessel connectivity, the majority of

of their annual salary on internet

A small proportion identified shopping

the survey respondents (52%) indicated

connectivity, the survey found, with the

(11%) and gaming (8%) as top three

a preference for ship connectivity over

cost split equally between their usage at

online activities.

their mobile plans or port wifi.

home and onboard their vessels.

When at sea, video calling, voice

However, while 97% of these seafarers

In a remarkable finding, 83% of the

actively manage their own data usage

surveyed seafarers expressed concern

calling, and messaging family and friends

at sea, more than four out of five said

about security and privacy while using

were the most popular uses for the

they exceeded their limit – with more

a vessel's internet – with one in nine of

internet, with a huge majority saying the

than a third saying it happened often.

the seafarers reporting a data security

connections positively impacted their

Furthermore, a mixed picture emerged

issue, such as hacking or data loss, while

mental wellbeing.

regarding satisfaction with connectivity

connected to a vessel’s internet.

During long voyages, seafarers said they were 23 times more likely to feel

at sea.

Clearly, for this seafaring

Of those surveyed, 28% said they were

constituency, work remains to be done on

positive effects from these personal

dissatisfied with the cost, while more

security before a ship can truly merit the

interactions, rather than negatives.

than half said they would be willing to

comfort of a floating home.

Staying in touch with friends and family were the main reasons given for needing connectivity, although seafarers also cited managing work-related tasks as

Seafarers spend an average 8% of their annual salary on internet connectivity

important, as ships increasingly depend

www.splash247.com 37

SHIPYARDS

Coming to a shipyard near you soon?

Some yards are pushing the innovation envelope. Most are not

S

porting jeans and a rollneck rather

mind, HD Hyundai is a bit of an outlier,

than the standard overalls and

few yards match it in the world for its

increasingly, shipyards are working with

helmet of his peers, Kisun Chung,

appetite for innovation.

owners as partners to achieve “loftier”

the third generation of the Chung family

In Splash’s poll for this magazine,

at the helm of HD Hyundai, South Korea’s

most readers felt shipyards could be

largest shipbuilder, has for the past few

doing more to foster innovation and new

is not standard across the industry,

years trekked out to Nevada once a year

designs.

according to Ajay Chaudhry, the CEO

to speak and exhibit at CES, a high-profile

Andrew Airey, who heads up Thai

goals.

Progress is visible, but again it

of shipmanagement at Synergy Marine

Las Vegas tech event where his company

shipmanager Highland Maritime,

likes to pitch itself as a “future builder”.

says simple immediate things yards

The yard is one of shipping’s leaders

could address include improving the

nations are pushing boundaries—

when it comes to artificial intelligence

steelwork and paint protection systems

particularly in areas like LNG, ammonia,

and autonomous technology. It is far

to significantly reduce lifetime steelwork

and dual-fuel readiness—design cycles

ahead of most of its competitors around

maintenance as well as improving

remain heavily owner-driven,” Chaudhry

the world in developing a smart shipyard.

machinery design and reliability

says.

As a very visible sign of how the

to significantly reduce the lifetime

Group.

“While a few advanced shipbuilding

For real innovation, he is calling

business of shipbuilding is changing,

maintenance requirements necessary for

for tighter shipyard-designer-operator

HD Hyundai has just signed a deal with

semi/fully autonomous vessels.

loops, and stronger incentives.

an American company to get humanoids

Craig Tulk, a product business

“A shared commitment to lifecycle

welding, helping to alleviate ongoing

analyst at the Sustainable Shipping

outcomes—and specifically addressing

workforce shortages.

Initiative, tells Splash: “Our industry is

fuel flexibility, emissions profile, and

Senior vice president Dong-ju Lee

conservative, and owners will always be

digital readiness—can turn yards into

said: “Our goal is a smart shipyard

the ones who drive the latest innovations

innovation partners, rather than just

where humans and intelligent robots

in vessel design.”

builders,” Chaudhry says.

collaborate seamlessly.”

However, it is important to bear in

38

However, Tulk did say that

Ship Concept 2035

Design cycles remain heavily owner-driven

SHIPYARDS

Manish Singh, the CEO of

Many yards remain capex-focused, not lifecycle-optimised

Aboutships, a maritime transaction advisory, says pressure is building on yards to deliver more.

“The regulatory clock and new fuels are forcing change, but inertia is high,”

What has changed, according to SSI’s

design process and use a shared source

Tulk, is that shipyards now have the

of truth to manage the project from

tools to work with the owner earlier and

earlier in its lifecycle,” Tulk says, while

with less friction.

reminding readers that it remains

Singh says, adding: “Many yards remain

“We’re seeing shipyards partner

capex-focused, not lifecycle-optimised.”

with owners earlier in the concept

the owners who tend to initiate this conversation.

Peter Schellenberger, founder of Novamaxis, a maritime consultancy, hits out at the lack of standardised systems hindering progress at yards around the

Miner

world.

“Compared, for example, to the airline industry, the varieties of execution and components used in shipbuilding are totally not aligned and far from standardisation, even for same vessel types. Even sister vessels built in the same yards may not have the same equipment list, which in effect is a real hindrance to speed up the standardisation which is necessary to propel forward more autonomous shipping,” Schellenberger argues.

While some yards actively invest in R&D and innovate, others continue to rely on standardised designs instead of adopting new ideas, concedes Arunava Sengupta, managing director of AngloEastern Technical Services.

www.splash247.com 39

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The maritime AI market nearly tripled

The coming force

in size in just one year

Splash readers are adamant that AI will impact ship operations more than any other tech in the coming decade. Splash explains why and how

W

hatever industry you may be in, odds are that it is being invaded in a multitude of ways

time.

operations in the coming decade. AI

Both of those things have already

came on top of other tech making waves

been done by AI, as well as guiding your

in the shipping sector, such as Internet

by artificial intelligence. Shipping is no

robot vacuum cleaner to clean your

of Things, Big Data analytics, and

exception, but how it will all look in the

house and making an image of you in

blockchain.

years to come is still vague due to AI

the style of Japanese anime.

developing at blistering speeds.

British consultancy Thetius reported

AI is the buzzword of today. There

in September last year that the maritime

is no two ways about it. Advances are

AI market had nearly tripled in size in

everywhere. But most likely you’d

being reported on very often, and new

just one year and was valued at $4.13bn,

be wrong. It is everywhere. ChatGPT,

applications are seemingly found daily.

with a projected five-year compound

Gemini, Copilot, and different image and

All this is precisely why the future for

annual growth rate of 23%.

video editing apps are just the tip of the

AI in general, and in the maritime sector

The application of AI also showed

iceberg that is the application of AI.

in particular, is a bit of a guessing game

positive results. McKinsey reported that

due to the almost quantum leaps it is

AI implementation can reduce forecast

making.

errors by 50% and logistics costs by

You could say that AI is seemingly

The burst of AI, however, is only a recent thing for the mainstream. In industrial and academic purposes, it

Regardless, it is partially the present

15%, while companies using AI have

has been around for a long time. If you

but surely the future for the world and

seen inventory levels decrease by 35%

needed to analyse particle data from

with it the maritime industry. And Splash

and service levels improve by 65%.

CERN’s Large Hadron Collider or find a

readers agree.

potentially hazardous asteroid that might

A survey carried out by Splash for

McKinsey’s senior partner Kweilin Ellingrud even stated that AI alone could

one day collide with Earth, you could use

this magazine, in association with

automate almost 10% of tasks in the

AI to do it because it would take whole

Inmarsat, suggests that AI will have the

entire US economy.

teams of people to do it in way more

most significant impact on maritime

It is important to understand what

www.splash247.com 41

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

kind of work AI can do and is doing for the maritime industry. Automation is probably the number one use of AI algorithms.

Routes can be optimised based on real-time data, enabling timely adjustments to unexpected events while maintaining the most cost-effective alternative. This, in turn, makes vessel operations energy efficient and reduces carbon emissions. Companies and crews can also be assisted by AI providing real-time data analytics, predictive maintenance insights, and risk assessments.

This is where Splash readers agree once again. When asked about the average crew numbers onboard in 2035, an overwhelming 74% said that it would be less than today. Also, over half of our readers voted in the survey that at least 25% of daily manual operations at sea would be made redundant by 2035, while 21% said 50% or more would become redundant.

autonomous vessels, in any form, will

equipment malfunction and human

If everyday tasks are taken over by

affect shipping costs by 2035, Splash

error in oversight, were the biggest ones

AI, it would stand to reason that vessels

readers were quite indecisive, with an

identified in the survey.

would operate with smaller crews and

almost even split between decreasing,

To best see how much work can be

that certain tasks or even jobs would

increasing, or staying on par with today.

done by AI, global logistics provider C.H.

fade out of existence. On the other

What is very clear from the survey,

Robinson announced it has performed

hand, if AI can handle routine and

though, is that the sectors which will

over 3m shipping tasks with its fleet of

repetitive tasks, it frees up time for

be most affected by automation are

generative AI agents. The company also

individuals to learn new skills or take on

containerships and short-sea shipping.

hit 1m orders processed by AI in March.

new responsibilities. As for particular

The two sectors together account for

roles that could be most affected by

90% of the answers.

Maritime companies know this, and some have been spending big bucks to

automation by 2035, navigation was

Safety is another area where AI can

get enough AI tools in their toolbox.

voted the most likely to be affected,

shine by identifying crucial safety and

For example, CMA CGM's contract with

followed by engine room operations and

security events in real time. However,

Mistral AI, signed in April, has brought

maintenance.

Splash readers are not so convinced

its AI-related tally to over half a billion

In the, probably not so distant, future

that AI-powered safety would bring

US dollars, and it will surely only keep

we will also be looking at the most

considerable improvement. In an almost

rising.

extreme version of autonomous ships

split decision, 49% of readers stated that

The future for AI is looking very

– ones in which the operating system

the number of incidents would remain

bright, and as its applications become

of the ship is making decisions and

the same or increase, while 51% believed

more and more prevalent, shipping

determining actions by itself. This would

that things would improve. It is alarming

will fall in line like all other facets of

require a fully developed AI, similar

that 28% of those surveyed believed that

life because, as futurist and techno-

to the ones in self-driving cars, which

incidents would increase.

philosopher Gray Scott once said: “There

would do all the tasks needed to get from point A to point B. On the matter of how the adoption of

With automation and AI, just like

is no reason and no way that a human

with any other technology, come safety

mind can keep up with an artificial

concerns and cybersecurity, along with

intelligence machine by 2035."

www.splash247.com 43

Enhance vessel performance with our sustainable graphene-based hull and propeller coatings

Applied on 400+ Vessels

HR

OPINION

AI, automation and the future of maritime jobs Mark Charman, CEO and founder of Faststream Recruitment, on why human skills still matter

A

I is reshaping the maritime

doesn’t understand company culture,

industry at an unprecedented

values, or the wider economic and

As AI takes over routine and data-

pace. From predictive

expertise with human-centric skills.

regulatory landscape. Leaders must

heavy tasks, professionals will have more

maintenance and autonomous shipping

balance AI-driven insights with ethical

capacity to focus on high-value activities,

to AI-driven recruitment and workforce

considerations, long-term vision, and

such as strategic planning, innovation,

optimisation, technology is making

business strategy.

and customer relationship management.

operations smarter, safer, and more

As AI adoption accelerates, maritime

The ability to problem-solve, think

efficient. But as AI takes on more tasks,

C-suite executives and HR leaders must

creatively, and lead with vision will be

one question remains:

rethink their workforce strategies. The

more valuable than ever.

What does this mean for human talent

most successful maritime organisations

AI can process vast amounts of data

in maritime? For C-suite leaders, the

will be those that:

and present recommendations, but it

challenge isn’t whether to adopt AI, it

● Invest in upskilling and reskilling

is up to human professionals to make

is how to integrate it effectively while

● Equip employees with the digital

final decisions. In high-stakes situations,

ensuring that human skills remain at the heart of the industry.

AI is excellent at processing vast

literacy and problem-solving skills

maritime professionals will need to

needed to work alongside AI

use AI-driven insights to enhance their

● Prioritise soft skills like adaptability,

judgment rather than replace it.

amounts of data, automating repetitive

collaboration, and strategic thinking

tasks, and optimising decision-making.

alongside technical knowledge.

leaders face is managing concerns over

However, the core of maritime leadership,

● Balance automation with human

AI adoption. Some employees fear job

things like strategic thinking, relationship management, and crisis navigation remains uniquely human.

AI can generate insights, but leaders must interpret them, foresee risks, and

One of the biggest challenges maritime

expertise

displacement, while others worry about

Using AI to handle data-heavy tasks

AI’s impact on workplace culture.

while empowering people to focus on

To successfully integrate AI while

high-value leadership and decision-

maintaining a motivated workforce,

making.

maritime leaders must prioritise clear

adapt strategies in real-time. Maritime

AI is a tool, not a replacement for

and transparent communication. The

operations are unpredictable, requiring

human ingenuity. The leaders who thrive

best organisations will proactively

a level of human judgement that no

in this new era will be those who can

address concerns by explaining how AI

algorithm can replicate, well certainly not

leverage AI while championing the human

will support roles rather than replace

yet…

skills that drive maritime success.

them. Providing real-world examples of

Whether negotiating contracts,

As automation evolves, maritime

AI augmenting rather than eliminating

managing diverse crews, or making high-

professionals will need to adapt to hybrid

jobs can go a long way in helping ease

stakes decisions, human intuition and

roles. Digital literacy, data analysis,

uncertainty.

empathy are irreplaceable. The maritime

and AI-assisted decision-making will

industry thrives on trust, collaboration,

become essential, but so will leadership,

career development pathways, and

and leadership, all of which depend on

resilience, and problem-solving. The most

ongoing training will be critical in

strong interpersonal skills.

future-proof employees will be those

ensuring AI is viewed as an enabler, not a

who can seamlessly integrate technical

threat.

AI can suggest solutions, but it

Transparent communication, clear

www.splash247.com 45

OPINION

Why high-quality data demands the right foundations The trend towards high-frequency sensor data is increasing, writes Christian Rae Holm, the CEO of Coach Solutions

T

he welter of information that

able to benchmark a fleet that has been

of uncertainty than the potential targeted

high frequency sensors can

assembled over a period of time from

savings.

provide creates an opportunity

new and second-hand sources. Even ships delivered as ‘sisters’ can sail

3 to 5% potential fuel savings, a higher

cadence. For the majority of the fleet,

differently, and the performance of

level of accuracy is needed to achieve

however, the emphasis is still on the

previously-loved tonnage can be hard to

modelling for any claim approaching

ability to capture high-quality, low-

predict.

the upper band. We cannot rely on low

frequency data and blend the two into a robust combination.

Making a start in collecting

frequency data alone in these cases, but

performance data across a disparate

need to combine the results with high

Low-frequency data is not just

fleet is a daunting prospect, requiring

frequency data to prevent the savings

for simple analysis tasks. Used in

fleet managers to establish baselines

being lost in the inaccuracy band.

conjunction with complex digital vessel

from fragmented, sometimes chaotic data

models, it can provide high-quality

sets.

insights that reflect the specifics of the ship being analysed.

Making once-in-a-lifecycle

But high frequency data on its own is not enough, unless the aim is only to establish hull performance. The ‘global’

investment in retrofit energy efficiency

picture requires analysis of emissions

This core data can be combined with

technology is too big a project to base

and voyage data for the voyage

a sensor feed to generate deeper insights

the business case on fuel consumption

management system, so a combination

and deliver a smaller margin for error

modelling alone. It will require a full-

with low-frequency data is required.

and a larger zone of confidence.

scale verification process and ideally

The cases where high frequency data will be used by itself in voyage optimisation are few. High frequency

To make savings that can actually

a pilot, which can be used to verify the

reduce fuel consumption in a

potential savings.

demonstrable way requires a baseline

Methodologies and joint industry

of reliable, low-frequency data, ideally

data can increase the resolution of low

projects designed to establish

with a layer of high-speed sensor data to

frequency data and remove the suspicion

performance claims are emerging, but

provide additional context.

of manipulation. In practice, however,

it can be hard to obtain any kind of

data from the ship is less likely to drive

standardised data on the efficiency of

level of uncertainty and increase the

more efficient route optimisation than,

energy saving devices such as wind

reliability of results for an investment

say, a really good weather forecast.

assistance or air lubrication.

case, but this is an analysis the owner

Combining the two can reduce the

Data gathered from the ship comes

This is due to the complexity of

needs to have in place before the

into play in informing the model of the

the systems, the effectiveness of the

installation decision is taken – and

ship’s fuel consumption. This will help

installation, and the actual conditions

afterwards for verification purposes.

the operator understand that the speed

the vessel will subsequently encounter.

The ability to handle both high and

and consumption calculation is close

When considering installation

low frequency data is what will set a

to the actual and where savings can be

of fuel-saving devices, the need to

long-term partner apart from a short-

achieved.

‘prove’ the anticipated savings requires

term provider in the vessel performance

measurements that have a smaller degree

space.

Part of the challenge lies in being

46

Since many vendors claim a spread of

for applications that can work at this

Ship Concept 2035

OPINION

Managing the crew burden cycle Steven Jones, founder of the Seafarers Happiness Index, discusses how the demands of old ships and new tech are taking something of a workload toll

T

hey say change is as good as a

sea. Relentless work schedules with

struggle to keep aging systems

rest. For seafarers, though, that is

little to no margin for rest compound

operational with inadequate time and

plain nonsense.

the exhaustion from unceasing toil.

resources. Preventative maintenance is a

The true value of seafarer

This creates a downward spiral of

luxury they can rarely afford.

remuneration must always be seen in

frustration and deteriorating morale.

Yet the challenge does not end there.

the context of actual working conditions

The latest happiness data paints a stark

Alongside the struggle with deteriorating

and hours performed. Increases are

picture, especially on older ships, where

vessels looms the equally demanding

obviously welcome, but the fundamental

compressed schedules, multiplying

task of mastering new systems and

question persists: do these adjustments

inspections, and dwindling crew

technologies. Seafarers report growing

genuinely reflect the value of seafarers

numbers erode energy, resilience, and

frustration at being expected to install,

and the demands placed upon them?

willingness.

optimise, and operate new technology

Troublingly, whatever we may

The risks to both welfare and

without proper training or support. The

suspect we cannot truly say. We just do

operational safety are profound. A

long-promised workload reduction has

not know the full complete picture, as

ticking workload timebomb threatens

yet to materialise.

shipping lacks an accurate insight into

the industry, especially as crews must

Instead, implementation creates

real seafarer workloads. According to

maintain aging vessels while adopting

new stressors. Companies install new

the World Maritime University (WMU),

new technologies. For seafarers, old

systems expecting immediate results,

two-thirds of crewmembers admit to

ships mean new problems, and new

often providing little meaningful

falsifying their work/rest records to

solutions raise old fears.

support. Officers bear responsibility

appear compliant. This widespread

Ageing vessels present a perfect

for complex, unfamiliar equipment, with

manipulation creates a significant reality

storm. Stretched crews face an ever-

documentation that is either inadequate

gap, particularly among shipowners

growing maintenance burden, forced to

or excessively technical.

and flags occupying the lower rungs of

firefight only the most critical issues.

Seafarers must self-teach on the fly,

industry standards.

Deferred maintenance threatens both

all while managing their original duties

vessel safety and crew wellbeing, as

and that seemingly endless maintenance

that of measuring rest and recreation,

backlogs extend and weigh heavily on

backlog. Pressure escalates, demands

which brings us back to the ongoing

morale. When ships finally reach port,

multiply, and the glossy promises made

shore leave problem. In the latest

essential repairs often devour any hope

by technology salespeople crumble in

Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) report,

of shore leave, no matter what new

the face of real-world pressures and

shore leave was a major concern, sitting

regulations might promise. As chiefs and

unrealistic expectations.

alongside its troubling twin, fatigue.

superintendents demand work the ship

Perhaps the most indicative issue is

Tiredness, the lack of time off, and the dearth of chances to get ashore,

comes first, with flogged hours the norm.

Sadly, even key worker status offers seafarers little insulation against the

This crew burden cycle creates

harsh realities of having too much to do,

show that workload issues are leading

not just physical exhaustion but

too few people to do it, and of it all being

causes of stress and discontent at

psychological strain too, as seafarers

too difficult to ever get right.

www.splash247.com 47

MARPOLL

Your thoughts In association with Inmarsat, we surveyed our readers on how they see ships of the future. Opinions varied massively What will the average crew numbers onboard be in 2035?

The percentage of the global fleet come 2035 still using traditional bunker fuel?

The impact of AI on inspections, training and safety.

Will this lead the number of incidents, PSC events to: 30

90% Less

25

50% Less

20

10% Less

15

More

10

Same as today

5

Remain the same as today

Increase

Decline 5%

Decline 15%

Decline by 25+%

50%

25%

10%

50+%

5%

40% %

22%

49%

30% 20%

19%

10%

0

The so-called ‘office onboard’ will be achieved by full broadband internet free for all for how much of the fleet by 2035?

What percentage of crew members will be female by 2035?

How much of daily manual operations at sea will be made redundant by 2035?

5%

5%

4%

More than 50% 50% 25%

34%

10%

%

28%

34%

Will global legislation be able to keep pace with technological innovations through to 2035?

26%

74%

What percentage of crew members will need to reskill or upskill to adapt to new technologies by 2035?

How will the adoption of autonomous vessels affect shipping costs by 2035?

35

100%

30 25

What roles aboard ships will be most affected by automation by 2035?

Decrease moderately

Tankers

Maintenance Passenger vessels

Increase moderately

None

10

Bulk carriers

No change

25%

15

Container shipping

Engine room operations

50%

% 20

Cargo handling

Increase significantly

5

0

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Short-sea shipping

0

35

10

20

30

40

50

0

%

%

Fully automated communication

Artificial Intelligence

Enhanced real-time data sharing

Internet of Things (IoT)

Increased reliance on satellite communication

10

20

30

40

50

%

What technologies do you believe will have the most significant impact on maritime operations by 2035?

How do you expect communication methods onboard ships to evolve by 2035?

What will be the biggest safety concern with the integration of automation in maritime operations by 2035?

Cybersecurity threats

Equipment malfunction

Big Data

Use of Direct-to-Device services

Human error in oversight Blockchain

No significant changes 0

5

10

15

20

%

25

30

35

Regulatory compliance

Other 0

5

10

15

20

%

48

Which shipping sector will see the highest level of automation by 2035?

Navigation

Decrease significantly

75%

Yes No

Ship Concept 2035

25

30

35

0

10

20

%

30

40

50

NexusWave

Fully managed bonded connectivity service

Multi-orbit, multi-band network: globally reliable Ka-band, low-latency high speed LEO, coastal LTE and resilient L-band Multiple high-speed networks: future ViaSat-3 upgrade bringing additional high speed bandwidth when and where it’s needed most, even in hotspots Seamless network bonding: unique SD-WAN technology aggregating available capacity to maximise throughput and enable ‘always-on’ connectivity with unlimited data Connected confidence inmarsat.com/NexusWave *ViaSat-3 – Coming soon

Connected Confidence

The potential of wind propulsion technologies (WPT) to reduce fuel costs and meet environmental compliance requirements will be

pivotal in shaping the roadmap for maritime decarbonization.

The ABS Wind Propulsion Technologies Advisory provides the industry with the key insights needed when considering WPT, including available options, market barriers, retrofit considerations, compliance benefits, and fuel savings and performance scenarios for making informed decisions.

Download your copy today

www.eagle.org/wptadvisory