Maritime Autonomy and Diversity: Exploring the Role of Technology and Working Practices
Pletschke, Ann (2024)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024051512206
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024051512206
Tiivistelmä
Marine autonomy is becoming increasingly prevalent in vessel operations with Remote Operations Centres starting to be commercially operational on a global basis. With a transition to some vessels being operated from these shore centres, there is an effect on the maritime labour workforce as roles involved with the navigation and operation of vessels become ‘on shored’.
This qualitative research explored potential impacts of remote operation on diversity and accessibility within the maritime industry. It explores whether there are potential opportunities and benefits that can be derived for diversity and inclusion. Opinions were sought from seafarers and maritime professionals. In-depth interviews were held with industry stakeholders from a variety of perspectives to seek out benefits, as well as risks, that marine autonomy can pose to diversity. The responses provided insight from people at the cutting-edge of maritime autonomy as well as those who could be excluded by a ‘digital divide’. The insight obtained highlights the need for the maritime sector to focus on ensuring that marine autonomy does not represent a ‘missed opportunity’ for the industry to diversify.
Three main areas of diversity were targeted: older seafarers, female seafarers, and persons with medical limitations. A vast majority of participants questioned consider marine autonomy to have a positive impact on diversity and accessibility within the maritime industry. Examples of technological opportunities as well as working practice adaptations were provided to lever these benefits. Various risks and threats that remote operations could have on workforce diversity within the maritime industry were identified. Identified risks included implementation challenges and the willingness of industry to transition in a sustainable manner.
Several areas for further research were identified including opportunities to share learnings and best practices with other industries and to learn from existing practices within the sector.
This qualitative research explored potential impacts of remote operation on diversity and accessibility within the maritime industry. It explores whether there are potential opportunities and benefits that can be derived for diversity and inclusion. Opinions were sought from seafarers and maritime professionals. In-depth interviews were held with industry stakeholders from a variety of perspectives to seek out benefits, as well as risks, that marine autonomy can pose to diversity. The responses provided insight from people at the cutting-edge of maritime autonomy as well as those who could be excluded by a ‘digital divide’. The insight obtained highlights the need for the maritime sector to focus on ensuring that marine autonomy does not represent a ‘missed opportunity’ for the industry to diversify.
Three main areas of diversity were targeted: older seafarers, female seafarers, and persons with medical limitations. A vast majority of participants questioned consider marine autonomy to have a positive impact on diversity and accessibility within the maritime industry. Examples of technological opportunities as well as working practice adaptations were provided to lever these benefits. Various risks and threats that remote operations could have on workforce diversity within the maritime industry were identified. Identified risks included implementation challenges and the willingness of industry to transition in a sustainable manner.
Several areas for further research were identified including opportunities to share learnings and best practices with other industries and to learn from existing practices within the sector.