During the 2023 Singapore Maritime Week, the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) launched a Maritime Workforce Transformation Guidebook which offers a practical approach for companies in the maritime sector to embark on job redesign to better attract talent to the industry.
The Guidebook is distilled from key findings and actionable recommendations of a job redesign pilot conducted in 2022 by SMF in partnership with Pacific Carriers Limited (PCL) Pacific International Lines (PIL). The pilot, which focused on the roles of a Technical Superintendent and a Vessel Operator, was supported by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
The launch of the Guidebook represents a concrete step forward by the maritime sector in Singapore to improve the attractiveness of maritime jobs to the talent pool and to develop a sustainable career development path for these roles.
By developing pathways to enhance and elevate the jobs of the technical superintendent and the vessel operator, we demonstrated the potential and possibilities of job redesign as a methodology to transform the maritime workforce. Going forward, we hope to identify more roles for job redesign
…said Ms. Tan Beng Tee, Executive Director, Singapore Maritime Foundation.
In the for
Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore highlighted that this report aims to make maritime careers more attractive and improve retention of existing workforce.
These will need to be further enhanced as standards and training for electrification and the new maritime fuels become ready, as well as where more maritime workers are trained to reap the benefits of innovative technologies, such as 3D printing and drones.
…he noted.
9 global trends re-shaping maritime industry
#1 Changing career aspirations of youths
The rising affluence and evolving aspirations of youth may deter them from entering the Maritime industry due to perceived laborious nature of work and a lengthy career journey. Entry-level seafarers currently take an average of up to 7 – 10 years of experience before reaching the rank of Captain/Chief Engineer. This could potentially deter youths from pursuing a Maritime career.
#2 Limited talent pool
Organisations often face difficulties in recruiting young talent to fill roles within the industry. Other than changing career aspirations, some may perceive a lack of competitive remuneration and/or the challenging working conditions and seek careers in alternative sectors.
#3 Requirement for sea experience
Staffing challenges continue to hamper recruitment efforts for roles within the industry, due to the challenging working environment and extensive amount of time that individuals are required to be at sea. While it may be easier to fill shorebased roles, some of these roles may also require extensive prior seafaring experience.
#4 Emerging technologies
Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) augment job holders’
capabilities in completing their tasks. For example, IIoT sensors capture, transmit and provide real-time information to systems. Coupling AI capabilities with data collection via sensors, job holders are able to make more informed, data-driven decisions.
#5 Increased connectivity
Quicker information exchange will be facilitated between the vessels and shore, with the global push towards digitalisation and infrastructural shift towards 5G connection. This sets the stage for more support for emerging technologies such as autonomous vessels.
#6 Enhanced need for cybersecurity
Digitalisation of ships has resulted in increased vulnerabilities for malicious actors to exploit. To ensure minimal operational disruptions and data loss, organisations will need to continuously invest in suitable cybersecurity systems to ensure a more robust and secure operating system that safeguard their digital ship solutions.
#7 International decarbonization push
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has pledged to reduce greenhouse gases through various legally binding treaties, indexes and management plans. In support of decarbonisation, Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) has launched the Maritime Decarbonisation Blueprint 2050, pledging to achieve net zero emissions.
#8 Increasing adoption of alternative marine fuels on board vessels
To reduce carbon emissions, the industry is embracing alternative sources of fuel to power operations. Possible alternatives to diesel include Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia. However, technologies needed to safely handle and mass-produce these alternative fuel sources are still nascent.
#9 Electrification and automation of port equipment and tools
With the push for digitalisation and sustainability within the industry, port operators are increasingly digitalising their operations to increase efficiency while minimising their carbon footprint.
Why the maritime industry is in need for a workforce transformation
Global trends and domestic developments in Maritime sector will require companies to transform, and focus on:
- New business strategies
- Accelerating the rate of technology adoption
- Investing in sustainability practices
- Enhancing sea-to-shore pathways to provide a better career value proposition
- Rethinking traditional ‘prerequisites’ for certain shore-based roles to widen talent pool
- Focus on equipping workforce with emerging skills development
Key to workforce transformation is to holistically reimagine and redesign jobs by changing tasks or how work is performed, to meet new demands.
EXPLORE MORE by reading the report here
