2020 was a long-waited year with the industry focusing on the IMO’s 2020 sulphur cap. Yet, what all of us did not expect was the reality; COVID-19 became a fear and concern for the shipping industry. The industry, though, managed to float and not sink, with key stakeholders and players bringing innovative ideas to the table to improve the industry’s digitalization, at a time when it is most needed.
- The virus was firstly detected in the central city of Wuhan, China in late 2019. It causes a type of pneumonia and includes signs of infection including respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
- In March, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a pandemic.
- Ports around the world issued restrictions and followed their countries lockdown measures, which led to chaotic crew change problem.
- All the shipping events welcomed the new reality and were conducted digitally.
- Shipping organizations took over in efforts to help as much as possible the stranded seafarers.
- Pharmaceutical companies announced the launch of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The pandemic was a big push for the industry’s development in the smart area, as many were the achievements that took place during this year, as well as the ambitions for the years that follow.
Yet, how did really the industry change?
The ability of shipping services to continue undisrupted to transport food, energy and medical supplies across the continents continued playing a critical role in overcoming this pandemic.
Digital technologies, from remote surveys, inspections, autonomous ships to online training methods, have facilitated the global response to the pandemic in an efficient way. The pandemic was an example that digital technologies have a crucial role, assisting on a global emergency response, and certainly indicates the vast potential for digital technologies to fundamentally change our industry and the ways in which business is conducted.
Overall, thinking out of the box, and looking on the bright side, the pandemic accelerated the digital evolution that was to happen gradually.
Concerning the advantage of using technology during the pandemic, speaking during CAREER4SEA Virtual Forum Mrs Athena Kanellatou, Operations Manager MacGregor Mediterranean, Middle East and India commented that “a good seafarer sees the change in the sea and adapts accordingly”. She explained that the shipping industry will be able to adapt to the best things that are to come when it comes to digitalization.
Now, when it comes to smart innovations and achievements that were seen in 2020, these include:
#1 Smart maps
Understanding how fast the virus spreads and which countries have had the most cases wouldn’t be easy without the digital maps that were launched.
Accordingly, the Johns Hopkins University launched a digital map that tracks down the confirmed cases, the fatalities as well as the recovered ones. At the time of writing, 1,693,447 deaths have been reported, while the US holds the first position of having the most cases.
Similarly, a coronavirus application was launched, with the same role as the map above, while the North Club launched the “MyGlobeView”, an interactive map that North members can use to identify any commercial risks and physical threat to the shipping industry on a global scale.
In addition, the International Group launched a new online tool, proving port specific advice and detailing the measures being put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the other hand, a helpful map was presented by Wilhelmsen. This map includes all the port restrictions issued globally.
#2 Remote surveys and inspections
A 2020 highlight was that inspections and surveys can be done remotely. Remote surveys and inspections mean that surveyors do not have to be physically present on board a vessel, which is especially important during these challenging times caused by COVID-19.
However, although the advantages are obvious, the challenge of a remote survey remains. In fact, Paul Fry, Senior Vice President, Head of Hull, London, SKULD, commented that
In attendance or remotely, a survey is only as good as the surveyor undertaking it.
#3 Digital Certificates
The digital certificates provide significant efficiency gains for the maritime sector given the current situation and the barriers in physical interaction, as they reduce the administrative burdens for stakeholders and also reduce the document handling costs.
SafeBridge was among those that issued digital certificates, in line with its #BeSafe campaign, in efforts to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the shipping industry and ensure seafarers’ wellness onboard.
To further assist seafarers, ICS published guidelines on how to manage seafarers’ certificate during this time. The guidelines include “Specification of the alternative or short-term certificates or documents that can be issued to the ship (e.g. electronic short-term certificates)”.
#4 E-training
One thing that became obvious during the pandemic is that technology has a powerful role and although it literally sets people apart, it also links them.
Recently, WHO provided free e-learning courses for seafarers, addressing health issues and operational matters, and SafeBridge also released free COVID-19 online training for seafarers.
#5 Work from home
Working from home has been a key solution in order to follow the social distancing measures, but it wasn’t a pleasant solution for all. A work survey by Hubstaff Blog revealed that 84.5% of companies intend to continue offering some remote work options after the pandemic, while only a 15.5% intend to go back to full time office work.
Keep in mind that working from home includes the risk of a cyber attack.
#6 Virtual Forums
From the first months of the “COVID-19 era” all shipping forums immediately changed and followed the new reality which has come to be virtual.
Although physical presence has its pros, virtual presence could have the same impact if done right. Mrs Kanellatou highlighted that the pandemic proved that people were actually travelling and spending many hours away from home or their jobs, while they could meet virtually and discuss anything through a computer, something that could have the same impact.
Overall, the general idea is that technology is a powerful tool for the industry. Smart technologies are among the pillars that hold the industry, while automation must be the number one priority. Shipping companies have to invest in smart techniques in order to harmonize their operations.
