The study “Digital skills in maritime education and training: A global deep dive into people, skills, and readiness for change” by the World Maritime University (WMU) on behalf of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation within the framework of the Global Maritime Trends research programme, drew data from 532 seafarers in 64 countries and 110 representatives of the global maritime community. The key conclusion is clear: while automation, data analysis and smart digital systems are radically changing the way ships operate, the training of the people who operate them is not keeping pace.
Over 80% of seafarers state that they are either rarely or never trained in the use of digital systems. At the same time, almost two-thirds are willing to develop their knowledge, yet the lack of a clear definition of what exactly “digital skills” entail acts as a deterrent. When called upon to use automated systems or data processing applications, seafarers declare themselves unprepared. Indicatively, only 13% believe that the training they receive on shore meets the demands they face at sea.
Maritime education providers do not appear idle but encounter obstacles. Among these, limited funding, a lack of specialised trainers and the need to modernise the regulatory framework are delaying progress. The study warns that the digital modernisation of the industry may intensify imbalances, due to differing access to resources and investments.
The study’s findings confirm the data recently revealed by the Global Maritime Trends Digital Transition Barometer within the framework of the same research programme. Specifically, in the People pillar, despite an improvement in the score by six points compared to 2025, reaching 38% from 32%, it continues to record one of the lowest performances of the Barometer regarding the digital transition. This is yet another indication that technology is running faster than the human ability to utilise it effectively and safely.
Dr Jan Przydatek, Director of Technologies at the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, states: “Digitalisation is changing the way we work and manage risks. If investment in human capital does not keep pace with technological investments, the industry risks creating new safety challenges, instead of solving existing ones. This research proves with evidence that gaps in digital skills have an impact on safety and that addressing them will give seafarers the ability and confidence to operate in a digital environment.”
Mark Warner, Global Client Marketing Director at Lloyd’s Register, adds: “The adoption of digital technology is progressing faster than the modernisation of training standards, the upskilling of trainers and certification frameworks. In many cases, innovation precedes preparation. Technology can truly enhance safety only when people understand how systems work, trust their outputs and judge when they cannot rely on them.”
In a world flooded with digital tools, human judgment and trust remain decisive.
Professor Maximo Qjia, Jr., President of the World Maritime University, concludes: “The digitalization of shipping is no longer a scenario of the future – it is already shaping the way ships are designed, operated, and comply with regulations. The real question is whether the people of shipping are ready to respond. The success of the industry’s digital transformation will ultimately be judged by the ability of people to effectively leverage new technologies.”
The study calls for coordinated action, proposing faster revision of international maritime education standards, increased investment in seafarer training, and strengthened cooperation among all stakeholders.
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