In the vast, ever-changing ocean of maritime operations, a new tide of connectivity is sweeping through, promising to revolutionise competence and decision-making in shipping. The latest installment of “Connectivity with Inmarsat,” nestled within the pages of Ship Concept 2035, dives deep into this phenomenon, stirring up a wave of thought-provoking insights and debates.
At the heart of this shift is the notion that improved onboard connectivity can significantly bolster competence in shipping. It’s not just about pinging a message back to shore; it’s about real-time communication, virtual training, and collaborative platforms that put the world’s knowledge at a seafarer’s fingertips. Andrew Airey, the head honcho at Highland Maritime, puts it bluntly: if connectivity can lighten the load and reduce stress for shipboard personnel, then it’s a game-changer for the industry.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Tore Morten Olsen, president of maritime at Marlink, raises a valid point: is a ship’s bridge the right environment for remote training? It’s a question that underscores the need for a balanced approach, where technology complements, rather than replaces, traditional learning methods.
Pradeep Chawla, the brains behind MarinePALS, has the stats to back up the power of online training. Better safety, improved performance in inspections—it’s all there. But it’s not just about the tech; it’s about the people too. Ajay Chaudhry, the CEO of shipmanagement at Synergy Marine Group, stresses the importance of leadership, feedback culture, and accountability. Connectivity, he argues, should enable professional development, not replace it.
Peter Schellenberger, the head of Novomaxis, sees connectivity as the toolbox, not the solution. It’s up to the industry to find the right use cases and applications. And with regulations playing catch-up to technology, it’s a challenge that’s not going away anytime soon.
Nicholas Goubert, co-CEO of Ocean Technologies Group, paints a picture of a future where connectivity enables agile learning, rich experiences, and dynamic responses to threats. It’s a future where ships become floating learning environments, where seafarers can solve problems in real-time.
But it’s not just about competence. Manish Singh, the founder of Aboutships, argues that decision-making will change massively. Real-time performance feedback, shore-based support, system diagnostics—it’s all part of the package. And with the rise of embedded training, remote decision support, and automated compliance, technical competence is set to soar, and human error to plummet.
So, what does this all mean for the future of the maritime industry? Well, it’s clear that connectivity is more than just a buzzword. It’s a catalyst for change, a tool for empowerment, and a bridge to a future where competence and decision-making are as vast and deep as the oceans themselves. But it’s not a silver bullet. It’s a journey, a process, a dance between technology and humanity. And it’s a dance that the maritime industry is just beginning to learn. So, buckle up, folks. It’s going to be one heck of a ride.