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Focusing on the Future: Technology, Digitalisation and International Shipping Training
13/11/2025
Its constantly evolving nature is something that the maritime industry is well known for, even before the development of digital technologies. However, AI-driven navigation systems, automated logistics solutions, and digital safety protocols have pushed this evolution to a new level.
New technology is not only changing business’s approach to shipping but also how international shipping training is organized and executed. While this will never replace the importance of expert planning and monitoring, the integration of different types of technology can be revolutionary for your employees.
Whether you’ve got decades of professional experience, or you’re a newcomer to the industry, investing in continuous learning and personal development is invaluable. The need to be upskilled, as well as up to date is not only important for ensuring safety but also maintaining your competitive edge.
Why Digital Training is Essential for the Shipping Industry
However, in research conducted by the DNV in 2022 it was suggested that as many as 800,000 seafarers would require upskilling by the mid-2030s. The only way to achieve this is through incorporating technology into international shipping training. By creating future-proof training structures that incorporate digitalization into existing practices, your team will become comfortable adapting to new developments as they arise.
Why Digital Training is Essential for the Shipping Industry
However, in research conducted by the DNV in 2022 it was suggested that as many as 800,000 seafarers would require upskilling by the mid-2030s. The only way to achieve this is through incorporating technology into international shipping training. By creating future-proof training structures that incorporate digitalization into existing practices, your team will become comfortable adapting to new developments as they arise.
Blending Tradition with Technology: Integrating Digitalisation into International Shipping Training
As well as developing training to help your team use technology onboard, new technology can also enhance existing maritime training methods.
By incorporating e-learning and LMS platforms into your existing training structures, you’re providing your team with more accessible and flexible opportunities to learn and progress. This is particularly important for any businesses working with a maritime crew, as they can continue their training even in the middle of the ocean!
Beyond this, utilizing digital platforms for training also means you have a central system for all your training processes, results, and documentation. Not only does this help ensure you meet all required standards, but also makes managing your overall training processes more efficient.
Digital Developments: Key Technology Uses in Shipping Training
Technology can also be used to make international shipping training more engaging, helping trainees quickly develop the skills needed to succeed in the industry.
One key advancement being used globally in maritime education is ‘augmented reality’ (AR), which is designed to impose virtual elements onto physical training scenarios. For example, AR can be used to simulate different emergencies, such as adverse weather conditions in a controlled environment, allowing trainees to practise and hone their skills without serious risk.
Not only does this approach help with knowledge retention, but AR usage also enables teams to provide remote, real-time training sessions from the shore. This again encourages continual professional development and ensures that all required skills continue to progress.
The use of AR also helps to standardize training and knowledge transfer across your organization and helps monitor and enhance training moving forward.
More widely, since being used to optimize shipping routes and resource management, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into international shipping training.
Not only does this approach help with knowledge retention, but AR usage also enables teams to provide remote, real-time training sessions from the shore. This again encourages continual professional development and ensures that all required skills continue to progress.
The use of AR also helps to standardize training and knowledge transfer across your organization and helps monitor and enhance training moving forward.
More widely, since being used to optimize shipping routes and resource management, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into international shipping training.
There are several benefits of incorporating AI into maritime training, including:
• Simulation and VR opportunities
• Customized learning experiences
• Opportunity to use predictive analytics
• Automation of assessments and feedback
• Enhanced safety training
• Real-time decision-making training
• Improved language processing training
• Integrated learning
In a 2023 report from Lloyd’s Register and Thetius, it was predicted that the AI and autonomous ship market will hit 5.01 billion USD by 2028, illustrating the importance of early incorporation into your training.
There are several benefits of incorporating AI into maritime training, including:
• Simulation and VR opportunities
• Customized learning experiences
• Opportunity to use predictive analytics
• Automation of assessments and feedback
• Enhanced safety training
• Real-time decision-making training
• Improved language processing training
• Integrated learning
In a 2023 report from Lloyd’s Register and Thetius, it was predicted that the AI and autonomous ship market will hit 5.01 billion USD by 2028, illustrating the importance of early incorporation into your training.
The Impact of Digitalization on Shipping Training and Industry Excellence
As a business, your team needs to be both confident using new technology as part of their everyday tasks, and comfortable adapting quickly when new tools and practices come into play.
Accredited and professional international shipping training is essential in the maritime industry for several reasons:
Meeting Industry Demands
Technology in shipping is becoming more and more important as the industry develops to improve route planning, and navigation and increase the safety of ships and vessels. Equally, the introduction of new regulations by organizations such as the IMO (International Maritime Organization) means that it’s vital for your crew to access quick and effective training methods to allow them to integrate these changes into everyday operations. By incorporating technology and digitalization into your existing training not only do you ensure your team can continually meet industry demands and regulations, but also remain ahead of competitors.
Maintaining R
equired Certifications
Achieving and maintaining the required certifications through relevant training is vital. For example, the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) outlines specific training standards that must be met and maintained. Achieving this certification demonstrates professional excellence, whilst the continual maintenance of this standard ensures continual professional development.
Ensuring the Safety of Life and Property
Improving Operational Efficiency
Enabling More Environmentally Friendly Shipping Practices
New technological developments are also being used to improve energy efficiency monitoring and enhance transhipping onboard. As the shipping industry moves to become more sustainable (with the anticipation of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050), being able to prevent ship-source pollution and improve sustainability through digital training is critical.
Facilitating Career Progression
Ask MSC
When it comes to the latest developments in international shipping technology, working with MSC means you’ll stay up-to-date on everything from training in safety, sustainable shipping practices, and compliance regulations. Equally, if you’re looking to become involved in the world of technology in international shipping, discover more about our available positions and become part of the digital transformation.
Contact us today to find out more.
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