Job & skills
NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR JOBS&SKILLS & ECMAR PROPOSALS
The adoption of green and digital tech nologies in the maritime sector will re quire significant updates to the skills and capabilities of the workforce. As the industry moves towards ze ro-emission propulsion systems, digitali zation, and automation, the following es sential requirements must be addressed to ensure that the maritime workforce can effectively address the various chal lenges coming with technological advancements:
1. Specialized Training in Green Propulsion Technologies (with a fuel neutral approach):
• Challenge: As ships increasingly will adopt on board new fuels like hydro gen, ammonia, and electric propulsion systems, the current workforce may lack the necessary expertise to oper ate, maintain, and troubleshoot these advanced technologies.
• Required Skills: Technical training programs focusing on the operation, maintenance, and safety protocols for new sustainable hydrogen and am monia fuel systems (also comprising already established solutions like the use of methanol), battery manage ment, and hybrid propulsion systems are critical.
ECMAR Proposal: Collaborations between maritime academies, training centers, and technology providers, along with associations like WEGEMT, to develop specialized certification programs for green propulsion technologies. This initiative should en compass both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in maintaining these new systems.
2. Digital Competencies for Smart Shipping and Automation:
• Challenge: The rise of digital twins, autonomous ships, and predictive maintenance systems will require maritime professionals to have a deep understanding of data analytics, AI, and machine learning applications.
• Required Skills: Proficiency in data analysis, AI-based decision-making, and real-time system monitoring through digital platforms. Seafarers and onshore personnel, as well as ship designers will also need to under stand how to integrate digital systems with traditional maritime operations.
ECMAR Proposal: Establishing ongoing digital literacy programs to equip ship op erators, engineers, and logistics personnel with the skills to work alongside AI-powered systems and digital platforms. This could involve developing simulation environments to provide practical experience with digital twins and autonomous systems.
3. Safety and Risk Management for New Technologies:
• Challenge: The introduction of new technologies such as carbon cap ture, hydrogen bunkering, ammonia as fuel, and high-capacity batteries brings new safety challenges that must be managed effectively.
• Required Skills: Workforce training in cybersecurity and safety protocols specific to clean technologies, includ ing hydrogen handling, battery fire safety, and risk management in car bon capture systems.
ECMAR Proposal: Integration of advanced safety training modules into mar itime certification programs. This would involve collaboration with industry safety authorities and regulators to ensure that personnel are trained in the latest safety standards for new technologies.
4. Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge for Dual-Use Technologies:
• Challenge: Many green and digital technologies, such as autonomous systems and hybrid propulsion, have potential dual-use applications (civil ian and defense). The workforce will need cross-disciplinary knowledge to manage these dual-use scenarios effectively.
• Required Skills: Understanding of how technologies developed for civil ian use can be adapted for defense applications, and vice versa, including cybersecurity and data protection in autonomous and digital systems.
ECMAR Proposal: Tailoring specialized cross-disciplinary training programs that cover the intersection of civilian and mil itary maritime technologies. These pro grams could focus on regulatory require ments, cybersecurity challenges, and the operational differences between civilian and military vessels.
5. Lifecycle Management and Circular Economy Expertise:
• Challenge: As the maritime industry moves towards more sustainable, re cyclable materials and ship designs, workers will need to be familiar with the principles of lifecycle manage ment and the circular economy.
• Required Skills: Expertise in the use of recyclable materials in shipbuild ing, understanding of end-of-life ship recycling processes, and the ability to evaluate the environmental impact of various materials and technologies.
ECMAR Proposal: Introducing lifecycle management modules into maritime engi neering and technical courses, focusing on sustainability practices, recycling technolo gies, and environmentally conscious design principles.
6. Flexible Learning Models for Continuous Skill Development:
• Challenge: As technology contin ues to evolve rapidly, maritime pro fessionals will need to continually update their skills throughout their careers. Rigid, one-time training pro grams may no longer be sufficient.
• Required Skills: The ability to adapt to new technologies and processes quickly, supported by continuous learning opportunities.
ECMAR Proposal: Establishing flexible, modular training systems that allow for continuous professional development. Online courses, micro-certifications, and on-the-job training can provide workers with the ability to update their skills as new technologies progressively emerge