The rapid pace of technological change across the shipping industry is transforming how vessels are operated, but risks leaving seafarers behind if human factors are not prioritised.

That is the focus of an upcoming webinar hosted by The Nautical Institute, in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register Foundation, which will bring together senior voices from across the maritime sector to examine the real-world impact of digitalisation, connectivity and emerging technologies on those working at sea.

As shipping adopts greater vessel connectivity, new equipment and AI-enabled systems, operational practices are evolving quickly. However, questions remain around how these changes affect seafarer workload, decision-making, skills requirements and overall wellbeing.

The session will explore how technological development, equipment design, workforce capability and seafarer welfare are closely interconnected and why maintaining a human-centred approach is essential to ensuring safety, effective operations and a fair transition for the maritime workforce.

The webinar will feature contributions from:

Captain Ann Pletschke CMMar FNI, STEER Project Lead, The Nautical Institute

Tim Slingsby, Director of Skills and Education, Lloyd’s Register Foundation

Captain Eero Lehtovaara AFNI, Head of Regulatory and Public Affairs, ABB

Captain Kuba Szymanski FNI, Secretary General, InterManager

Bob Doncom FIMarEST, Principal Consultant, IMarEST

Simon Grainge, Chief Executive, ISWAN

Together, the…