ABS, the leading provider of classification and technical services to the global marine industry, held a keynote debate during London International Shipping Week to discuss the impact of technological change in the maritime sector, bringing together a panel of industry leaders to debate how educational institutions and shipowners are preparing their people for a future defined by smart shipping.
Moderated by ABS Executive Vice President Global Marine, Dr. Kirsi Tikka, the panel included Dean of Cass Business School, City University London, Professor Marianne W. Lewis; Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ardmore Shipping, Mark Cameron; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, GoodBulk and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer C Transport Maritime, John Michael Radziwill; and Director, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, Julie Lithgow.
The event, held on the first day of the week-long series of events across London, was designed to put into context the impact that smart shipping will have on its professionals in all kinds of operational roles.
The conversation touched on themes of automation and disruption, how far human skills can be replaced and where innovation can be applied. It also included the perspective of those providing professional operations and business education and how these are evolving to meet the needs of the industry.
The lively debate heard the panelists discuss the impact of fast-paced change on both teaching methods and curriculum as well as on day to day roles. While each member of the panel recognized the transformational impact that technology was having, they agreed that human skills and knowledge will remain critical to physical shipping operations as well as to commercial and technical arenas.
About ABS
Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification organization devoted to promoting the security of life and property and preserving the natural environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine and offshore assets.