As we move into a multi-fuel, multi-technology era, the complexity of onboard work will only grow. Digital tools and automated checklists will be key, acting as a guiding light and a safeguard in this fast-changing environment, argues Esa Henttinen, EVP, Safety Solutions at NAPA.
The clanging of metal tools and the hum of machinery echo through the hull of a large ship. Below deck, a crew member moves through the narrow passageways, managing a multitude of tasks. He has to keep pace with the day’s operations while meeting the constantly evolving regulations and ensuring no mistakes occur.
Although the above-described scenario is fictional, it reflects the hard reality faced by thousands of seafarers today. Especially with environmental standards tightening, this has become an overwhelming challenge for many seafarers.
Across the global maritime industry, crews are shouldering new responsibilities as decarbonisation efforts intensify. And the numbers tell a troubling story. A recent survey by the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) revealed just how much the rapid pace of change is impacting crews:
- 54% of seafarers reported an increase in their workloads.
- 44% said they are feeling higher levels of stress.
- 33%—one in three—fear potential criminalisation due to complex reporting requirements.
While much of the attention in decarbonisation discussions is focused on cleaner fuels, propulsion systems, and emissions reduction, the “human element”—the operational safety and welfare of those who sail these ships—is often overlooked.
The above data highlights the emerging “safety gap” between the shipping industry’s environmental ambitions and its safety and seafarer welfare protocols.
At NAPA, we’ve seen firsthand how digital tools, when thoughtfully implemented, can help close this gap. Our solutions simplify and streamline tasks, significantly reducing both errors and stress. For example, after Anthony Veder adopted NAPA’s electronic logbook, they saw a 14% reduction in administrative workload, saving 2,000 hours per vessel annually. These efficiencies free up crew members to focus on safety-critical work rather than being buried in paperwork.
Automating Shipboard Workflows
Digital tools are transforming not just the operational aspects of shipping but also its safety practices. One of the most impactful innovations in this space is the digital permit-to-work system.
Traditionally, hazardous tasks are managed through a maze of manual checklists and paperwork prone to delays, oversight and miscommunication – leading to mishaps. According to data from InterManager, 55% of accidents in the past 28 years have happened during planned work, with many incidents concentrated in high-risk areas like oil tanks and holds.
By digitising the permit-to-work process, we can dramatically reduce the chances of human error, potentially preventing accidents before they occur. Apart from increasing efficiency, these digital permits also help ensure every step of the process is completed correctly and provide real-time visibility of high-risk tasks for both crews onboard and shoreside teams.
This is especially important for newer seafarers, many of whom have joined the industry after the pandemic. They offer critical support for those still gaining experience, reducing the risk of accidents.
Ease Regulatory Reporting
Today, we mainly talk about route optimisation, weather, engine and fuel efficiency — understandably so, as these are business-critical.
However, there’s another critical piece to this puzzle: environmental data and its reporting.
The power of digital tools extends far beyond safety. We are also unlocking vast amounts of previously untapped data—up to 90% of ship data typically remains onboard, unutilized. This data spans everything from engine performance, and HVAC to waste, water and tank management. When harnessed properly, it can lead to both operational efficiency and easier regulatory compliance.
By automating the collection and analysis of this data in real time, and sharing it with shoreside teams, we also enable seafarers to focus on their core tasks. This data-driven approach also helps alleviate the increasingly complex burden of regulatory reporting. From MARPOL, IMO DCS, EU-MRV, and CII to ESG requirements, NAPA’s cloud-based systems automatically gather and transmit the necessary information, reducing the risk of errors and saving crew members valuable time.
Enhancing Shoreside Support
As the complexity of modern maritime operations grows, cloud connectivity has become a critical tool in bridging the gap between onboard crews and shoreside teams.
By allowing real-time communication and data sharing, shoreside teams can provide invaluable support in areas ranging from stability management and emergency response to proactive voyage monitoring and machinery issue resolution. This level of collaboration is reshaping how we approach safety and efficiency at sea.
These advances are more than just technological upgrades—they are transforming the relationship between seafarers and their shoreside colleagues. With access to live data from the vessel, shoreside teams can now anticipate problems before they arise, reducing the burden on the crew and allowing for more informed decision-making. It’s no longer about seafarers handling everything in isolation; instead, operations are becoming a shared responsibility, where both ship and shore work in concert to ensure smooth, safe, and sustainable journeys.
Simplifying Complexity with Smart Digitalization
As the maritime industry shifts toward a future marked by multi-fuel technologies and stringent environmental regulations, the operational demands placed on crews will only increase. But within this growing complexity lies an opportunity to rethink how we approach safety and efficiency. Rather than overwhelming seafarers with more screens and systems, we need to harness digital tools and data in ways that simplify—not complicate—their work environments.
The maritime industry needs to unlock the potential of onboard data through smart digitalization. But digital innovation isn’t about mindlessly adding more technology. It’s about creating tools that are intuitive, designed with actual user feedback, and aligned with the real-world workflows of crews and shoreside teams alike.
Looking forward, we envision a future where digital tools lighten the load for seafarers, helping them manage increasingly complex tasks with confidence. Imagine a crew member, double-checking their digital permit for the next task, feeling the relief of knowing every step is clear, every process streamlined. It’s not that the job is simpler, but the burden is eased, and the confidence to meet increasingly complex challenges grows.
As new environmental regulations and decarbonization targets loom on the horizon, they’re no longer daunting. With the right tools and support in place, seafarers are empowered to navigate this new era safely and sustainably.
The views presented are only those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
