A new global study has found that the maritime workforce is not keeping pace with the rapid adoption of digital technologies, with implications for safety, efficiency and sustainability
The report, “Digital skills in maritime education and training: A global deep dive into people, skills, and readiness for change”, was written by the World Maritime University (WMU) and commissioned by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, based on a survey of 532 seafarers across 64 countries and interviews with 110 stakeholders. The report finds that digital tools - from automated navigation to data driven decision making - are transforming operations, but training and certification frameworks are not keeping up.
More than 80% of seafarers report receiving little or no digital skills training, despite strong appetite to learn. Two thirds say they are willing to upskill, but a lack of shared understanding of what “digital skills” means is holding back progress. Seafarers report a lack of confidence about working with automation and data intensive tools. Just 13% say shore based training consistently matches the systems they encounter onboard. Maritime education providers are responding, but face barriers including limited funding, a shortage of digitally skilled instructors and slow moving regulation.
The report also warns that digital transformation could deepen global inequalities, as access to training depends on resources and investment. It reflects findings from the Global Maritime Trends Digital Transition Barometer that workforce skills, training and readiness for change remains one of the weakest areas of the transition, highlighting the risk that technology is advancing faster than the people needed to use it safely and effectively.
Co-ordinated action
The report calls for coordinated action across the sector, including faster updates to global training standards, more investment in education and stronger collaboration between industry, regulators and training providers.
Dr Jan Przydatek, director of Technologies at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said, “Digitalisation is changing how people work and how risks are managed. If we don’t invest in people alongside technology, we risk creating new safety challenges rather than solving existing ones. This research shows that gaps in digital skills have real implications for safety. Closing them means making sure seafarers have the confidence and capability to operate in an increasingly digital environment.”
Mark Warner, Global Client marketing director at Lloyd’s Register, commented, “Technology adoption is moving faster than training standards, instructor capability and certification frameworks. In many cases, innovation is outpacing preparedness. Technology only improves safety when people understand how systems work, trust their outputs, and know when not to rely on them. As digital tools become part of everyday operations, human judgement and confidence remain essential.”
Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., president of the World Maritime University, said, “Maritime digitalisation is no longer a future possibility - it is already shaping how ships are designed, operated and regulated. The question is whether the workforce is ready. Achieving the benefits of this transition depends on people having the skills and confidence to use digital tools effectively.”
The report calls for coordinated action across the sector, including faster updates to global training standards, greater investment in education, and stronger collaboration between industry, regulators and training providers.
