Deep Dive

Further growth in containerships and a rise in trade is predicted by Global Shippers Forum Director James Hookham, but disruption in the forms of tariffs, cyber-attacks and extreme weather may counter uplift. In addition, digitalisation and AI, the UN High Seas Treaty and meeting net zero by 2050 outlined by IMarEST as future maritime trends.

Finely balanced marine ecosystems throughout the world are expected to come under increasing threat as growing consumerism alongside inadequate waste management measures is causing a dangerous build-up of ocean microplastics. But action to address this huge issue is underway.

The global maritime industry, and particularly the seafaring sector, faces a workforce in constant flux, with Filipino seafarers currently dominating the labour market.

GPS spoofing or jamming of the world’s largest vessels is posing a very-real risk, says Captain and IMarEST Fellow.

Net-zero Framework is ‘the first to combine mandatory emissions limits and GHG pricing across an entire industry sector’, but not all are fully on board just yet.

‘Approximately 70 offshore service vessels’ could have assisted in the delayed response to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, says non-profit support service founder, while also highlighting how important AI is to coordinate help.

According to the 2021 BIMCO/ICS Seafarer Workforce Report, women comprised just 1.2% of the global seafaring workforce, and the concerns of many over safety are unfortunately all too real.

The maritime industry must evolve its culture to be more inclusive to both women and seafarers, and help improve crew health and safety.

Insufficient knowledge of augmented, mixed and virtual reality, AI and computer modelling represent a serious skills gap according to academics, institutions and businesses.

Despite the triple threat of tariffs, port strikes, and geopolitical tensions, goods and commodities are expected to continue their flow around the world in relatively calm waters.

Although the industry is in good health according to a new report, issues in the Red Sea, decarbonisation and the increase in large vessel fires remain major issues for insurers, shipping organisations and seafarers alike.

From slowing down older bulk carriers to the increasing scrutiny of green claims, we predict what will grab the headlines next year and beyond.

Enabling undersea functions that were previously impossible and delivering environmental benefits in the process, the sector is evolving rapidly.

It’s that time of year again when the sector keeps a watchful eye on Treasury hints for the forthcoming budget.

When it comes to decarbonising the maritime industry, attention tends to focus on the ships, yet shore-side activities are also emitters of greenhouse gases (GHG) and air and noise pollution.

Three examples of how technical innovation is extending human reach in the oceans

The 1.4 million kilometres of undersea cables that transit the globe, enabling modern communications, could be key to unlocking more data about our blue planet.

Data fuels our world, feeding the algorithms that power our connected lives. But when it comes to oceans, we are sometimes flying blind.

The unique maritime environment needs specialist mental health provisions, with a community interest company the latest to tackle seafarer wellbeing.

A “worrying increase” in vessel and crew abandonment was highlighted by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), leading to calls for greater punitive measures against perpetrators alongside enhanced sector collaboration in mitigation.