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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Context – Objective – Key Considerations

The maritime industry is rapidly evolving with the

advent of new technologies. Main objective is discuss

how the maritime education sector can adapt and

respond effectively to technological changes. Key

world’s goods. With technological advancements, this

industry is evolving to become more efficient, safer,

and environmentally friendly.

Objective is:

− to examine how the maritime education sector is

adapting to the evolving demands brought about

by new technologies, particularly in Maritime

Technology Development,

− to explore how a balanced approach can prepare

professionals for a rapidly changing industry

while preserving traditional expertise.

ABSTRACT: In the last two, three decades we can observe revolutionary development of technology, including

global shipping industry. The Author, as the chairman of the Poland Branch of The Nautical Institute, a member

of several expert groups of International Maritime Organization (IMO), rector of Gdynia Maritime University,

one of the leading Maritime Education and Training (MET) institutions in the World, as well as the chair of

the International Association of Maritime University (IAMU), tries to discuss how the maritime education sector

can adapt and respond effectively to technological development, including Maritime Autonomous Surface

closely with industry to stay up to date. Preparing the workforce for hybrid roles is essential for the future of

the maritime industry.

− Automation may reduce demand for traditional

seafaring roles but create new tech-based roles;

− Legal frameworks and certifications need to

catch up with tech developments.

Experts from maritime education, regulatory

According to International Maritime Organization

If we are talking about the future … the most

monitoring,

− Predictive maintenance to prevent mechanical

failures, 3D printing;

requirements, and to reduce climate change and

reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

2.3 Copying “Tri-Transformation" of International

Shipping

On 8th July 2024 there was organized in Shanghai

DSH International Shipping Innovation Conference in

Shanghai themed „Digitalization and

Decarbonization: Empowering Shipping for a Shared

International Shipping,

− accelerate the filling of gaps in high-end shipping

services, and

2.4 Comparison of Both Lists

Comparing these two sets from items 2.1 and 2.3 we

can see that the Chinese and Polish observations are

almost identical. Well, after all, alternative marine

fuels and green propulsion are nothing more than a

decarbonisation. Smart shipping technologies,

digitalization (e.g. Electronic Charts / ECDIS), GNSS /

PNT, and e-Navigation – it is more less digitalization.

As the maritime sector continues to digitalise,

actionable intelligence matters to maritime

shipping it is intelligentization.

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2.5 Current Marine Technology Developments

Technology is present in almost every sphere of

human life; it is also present in the shipping industry.

Smart ships and autonomous technologies are

examples of solutions used in the modern maritime

sector.

− Advances in sustainable energy (e.g.,

teaching staff can use them in organizing and

introducing new courses or in enhancing, updating

− IMO e-Learning. IMO has developed a number of

e-Learning courses with the purpose of increasing

organization for delivery of technical assistance;

development;

(RPO) Scheme; and

development network.

activities undertaken by the International Association

of Maritime Universities (IAMU) and highlights the

Association’s support for Assembly resolution

A.1166(32) [IMO, 2021] and its commitment and

capacity to partner with the IMO to achieve the

objectives of this long-term strategy.

maritime capacity-building through networking and

excellence in maritime education and training as well

as research in that field. The Author have a honour to

be chair of IAMU in term 2023-2025.

To accomplish its mission, IAMU has implemented

several academic research and developmental projects

member universities and to promote capacity-

To set out a common target/goal regarding the

emanating from member universities, IAMU has

sought to formulate a vision for a Global Maritime

Professional (GMP). The GMP Initiative is intended to

meet the envisaged needs of industry and a rapidly

catering for the professional development aspiration

To address the educational needs IAMU analysed

maritime education and training, particularly at the

level of tertiary (higher) education. This focus

acknowledges the current transitional phase heavily

influenced by the rapid advancements in digital

technology and further requirements for

decarbonization, including the adoption of alternative

fuels on ships.

IMO Headquarters in 2017 and 2023 in which

students from member universities discussed

contemporary issues relating to maritime affairs with

facilitators drawn from the academic staff of IAMU

member universities as well as maritime experts from

the international shipping industry.

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academic staff need higher academic qualifications,

including research capacity, as well as practical

knowledge and experience as officers on the

management level.

3.4 Challenges for the Maritime Workforce

There are growing skills gaps among today’s

seafarers. New technology requires digital literacy

and advanced systems management. There is a need

to move from manual operations to supervisory roles

over automated systems.

demand for traditional maritime roles, but it may also

create new roles based on new technologies.

Regulatory lags are becoming increasingly apparent.

Legal frameworks and certification frameworks must

absolutely keep up with technological developments.

This is the need of the hour.

3.5 Degrees of Autonomy According to IMO

The degrees of autonomy identified by IMO experts

are the following [IMO, 2024]:

− Degree one: Ship with automated processes and

seafarers on board. The ship is controlled and

operated from another location. Seafarers are

available on board to take control and to operate

the shipboard systems and functions.

− Degree three: Remotely controlled ship without

seafarers on board: The ship is controlled and

operated from another location. There are no

seafarers on board.

3.6 Response of the Maritime Education Sector

All of these previously outlined changes, and

especially the advanced work on MASS, require a

− Hands-on training in simulators and

technology applications.

− Blended learning: combining advanced skills

(sailing, navigation) with technical courses

(robotics, AI and automation).

It is necessary to develop not only new training

courses with brain new and fresh curriculum, but also

new certificates. It is necessary to use of new

certificates and certificates for emerging technologies.

3.7 Balancing Traditional and Modern Training

understanding of both traditional and advanced

navigation systems.

− Practical experience: using simulators and

technology labs to provide immersive learning

environments, including virtual reality (VR).

− Keeping the balance between theory and practice.

3.8 Collaborative Partnerships

There is a need for partnerships that include:

− Academic Collaboration – partnership between

maritime universities/academies;

3.9 Infrastructure and Investment Needs

critical:

are needed.

− Train instructors: upskill teachers to teach new

technologies and digital tools.

− Cost and resource allocation: balancing budgets

between traditional educational needs and new

technology-related infrastructure.

traditional maritime skills and modern

technologies;

leading to new roles in energy efficiency and

environmental compliance.

every 10 years, as previously promised. The

Convention could contain only the main framework,

would contain detailed requirements and

− A balanced approach is needed, blending new

skills;

− The education sector must be proactive, working

closely with industry to stay current;

− Preparing the workforce for hybrid roles is

− Overview of current certification standards (e.g.,

operators by analogy to International Convention on

Standards of Training, Certification and

Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) - International

Convention on Standards of Training, Certification

and Watchkeeping for Operators of Maritime

Autonomous Surface Vessels (STCW-MASS)

[Weintrit, 2023, 2024a]. We don't have time for

unmanned ships. Depending on the ship, the revenue

and operating expenses will be different as well as the

freight rates. Even if the freight rates remain the same,

the owner of the unmanned ship will be in an

advantageous position as their operating profit would

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