TRANSPARENCY IN SHIPPING'S DIGITAL AGE

Digitalisation may prove one of the maritime industry's most effective tools to face multiple challenges posed by decarbonisation, recruitment and even diversity, according to WISTA International President Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou

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As co-CEO of leading satellite communications and digital solutions provider Tototheo Maritime, Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou knows all about the impact connectivity has on commercial ship efficiency, but her mind is also constantly probing for links between progressive technology and Environmental, Social and Governance concerns.

"New technologies and digitalisation are there to help us achieve our goals, but it is important to remember that they are not the solution in themselves," she says. "The focus should be on how technology is used and the benefits or opportunities it can offer." In shipping, the fear of job losses can often top the agenda when new technologies are introduced, "without having a parallel discussion about the new jobs and opportunities," observes Theodosiou.

"However, while digitalisation is bringing about fundamental changes within our industry, ships are extremely complex machines and digitalisation will not change that. Instead, it provides potential to enhance the operation and management of assets while also creating a range of new roles."

SEAFARERS IN TRANSITION