- Seafarers are Essential for Global Trade and Maritime Resilience.
- Industry Faces Green and Digital Transformation Challenges.
- Upskilling and Reskilling Seafarers Becomes Top Priority.
The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) has put out a whitepaper that stresses the importance of making the seafaring profession more appealing. Seafarers are essential to international trade and play a vital role in connecting countries, serving as the backbone of the maritime transport industry, reports Safety4Sea.
Preparing for a Changing Industry
To keep the maritime sector strong and innovative, it’s crucial to promote careers at sea and retain skilled workers. However, the industry is also grappling with the need to prepare its workforce for a shift towards new fuels and digital technologies.
Green and Digital Transformation
The shipping industry is experiencing a significant transformation fueled by green and digital advancements. The future will see the use of clean fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, batteries, and biofuels, which will require seafarers to acquire new skills, education, and operational training. Additionally, the rise of technologically advanced ships will necessitate improved digital skills.
Urgent Need for Reskilling and Upskilling
There’s an immediate need to reskill and upskill seafarers. The shift to low- and zero-carbon fuels will bring about major changes in onboard operations and safety protocols. To adapt to these changes, new skills and comprehensive training will be essential at every level.
Global Training Demands
By the middle of 2030, it’s estimated that around 800,000 seafarers globally will need to be upskilled or reskilled to safely handle new fuels and technologies. In Europe alone, a significant number of the 250,000 seafarers will require training in the next decade, as highlighted in the Draghi report.
Benefits of Targeted Training
Investing in skills for the green and digital transition opens up a wealth of opportunities:
- Equip seafarers with skills that will stand the test of time
- Foster diversity within the workforce
- Challenge outdated views of the profession
- Emphasise the vital role seafarers play in Europe’s prosperity, resilience, and sustainability
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Safety4Sea
