Shipping’s digitalisation is still as misunderstood as the mythical sea monsters of the past by a significant section of the maritime industry, according to a new report by technology group Wartsila.
Although three-quarters of respondents to the Finnish engine maker and technology developer believe innovation is a positive thing, Wartsila said more than two-thirds believe digitalising existing infrastructure and retrofitting vessels is a challenge and one-third are resistant to change.
More than half (56%) agreed the time and cost implications involved with digital transformation are too high, while 63% believe there is a lack of skills and knowledge among seafarers to fulfil the requirements of new technologies, according to the Debunking Maritime Myths of Digital Transformation report.
