We were delighted to participate in this years’ Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global 2024, which brought together shipowners, operators, and industry leaders to explore the role of digitalisation in the industry, as well as ways to protect seafarers amidst conflicts and geopolitical challenges.
As a gold sponsor, it was fantastic to facilitate discussions during our dedicated sessions, providing customers and seafarers with a platform to get involved. Over the course of the three days, we shared ideas, listened to perspectives, and reflected on how to best support the people at the heart of the maritime industry.
Day 1: Staying connected – seafarers and digital technology
Our participation kicked off with an engaging panel discussion titled "Staying Connected: Episode 2 – Time for Change: The Positive Impact of Digital Technology on Seafarers and Crewing." This session featured Richard Buckley alongside Marie Cooper, Director of Crewing at Zodiac Maritime, and Captain Rogaciano M. Estonilo, Master Mariner at Navilands Group.
During the 20-minute discussion, the panellists explored how technology is reshaping the crewing landscape. Key themes included:
The ability of digital tools to automate routine tasks, allowing seafarers and shore staff to focus on more meaningful work.
The power of data-driven decision-making, which enhances efficiency and improves operational outcomes.
The challenges facing widespread adoption, such as the lack of a unified digital ecosystem and the need for industry-wide collaboration.
The discussion also touched on the significant opportunity's which technology offers to help improve seafarer welfare and engagement, concluding by underscoring the substantial benefits technology offers, including improving efficiency related to routine operations and supporting engagement ship –shore.
Marie Cooper, Director of Crewing at Zodiac Maritime shared about the session:
“I had the privilege of speaking on stage about how technology can positively impact our colleagues at sea and make their jobs easier. As an industry, we should strive to enhance technology adoption and reduce redundancies, such as retaining paper copies onboard vessels. We also discussed the importance of "last-mile" engagement with our colleagues at sea. While technology can support engagement, true connection relies on personal and individual interactions - both onboard and onshore - by focusing on our own engagement and the engagement of those around us.”
Day 2: The Big Debate
It was also an honour to be invited to participate in one of the event’s highlights, ‘The Big Debate’. This parliamentary-style discussion centred on the motion: ‘AI will transform crewing and the role of seafarers within the next five years.’
Richard was joined in challenging the motion by Doris Magsaysay Ho and Raal Harris, both of whom brought valuable insights to the discussion. During a thought-provoking perspective, Richard acknowledged the role of artificial intelligence in improving operational efficiency, but emphasised that the essence of seafaring remains profoundly human, including qualities such as resilience, intuition, empathy, and leadership.
Rather than framing AI as a transformative force, Richard proposed that it should be seen as a supportive tool, helping to enhance the unique skills of seafarers. He argued that the maritime industry’s future lies not in replacing its workforce with machines, but in using technology to create safer, more efficient, and more sustainable operations that build on the knowledge and experience of its people.
The panel also included contributions from industry leaders including Julian Panter (SmartSea), Ali Shehab (DNV), and Punit Oza (Maritime NXT), with Chris Hayman of Seatrade Maritime moderating.
Richard Buckley, Founder and CEO at 90POE, mentioned about the event:
“Attending Crew Connect Global 2024 was an incredible opportunity to connect with industry professionals and explore key topics shaping the future of crewing and seafaring. The event included insightful conversations on the positive impact of digital technology on seafarers, as well as considering technology as a tool to support and enhance the human skills needed for safer, more sustainable operations. It was a privilege to collaborate with passionate and knowledgeable colleagues, driving ideas that will help shape a brighter and more sustainable future for seafarers worldwide.”
Looking ahead
Crew Connect Global 2024 was an invaluable opportunity to connect with colleagues and industry leaders, exchanging ideas on how to tackle the challenges of seafaring ahead.
Technology has the potential to transform the industry, but only when it respects and enhances the expertise of seafarers and crewing professionals.
As part of our involvement, we showcased our OpenOcean STUDIO Crew platform, which simplifies and centralises crewing activities. From a centralised crew directory to comprehensive document management, our platform covers the entire seafarer's employment process, from hire to retire.
Interested in learning more? Book a demo today.
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