In this session, delegates will hear firsthand from a shipowner/operator about how they manage crew access to social media. Can the freedom to use social media to publish a seafarers’ on-board experiences help recruitment and retention metrics? What impact does that access to the digital world beyond the vessel have on morale onboard? And what challenges have they faced?

In this audience interaction-rich session, we will explore the path to a better image for the crewing industry. How do we communicate with prospective crews? What community outreach is already being done? What can we learn from other industries who’ve tackled the image problem before? As audience members, you’ll be invited to contribute ideas, vote and brainstorm throughout the session.

A real-world example of AI-driven technology currently in operation. What advantages have been realized? What lessons have been learnt?

Digital technology is a regular focus of our industry. How it can enhance operational efficiency, crew welfare and, as discussed earlier today, provide a platform to change the image of crewing are all regular discussion topics. But do the advantages lead to complacency when managing risk? As we get ever-more digitally connected and co-dependent, how do we maximize the benefits whilst mitigating the risks presented by digital human connectivity? What strategies and governance policies should operators & owners be most focused on? And how can the industry use adjacent verticals to learn from at pace?

The second of three 20-minute seafarer-focused interviews.

This panel discussion connects training providers, crewing agencies, ship operators and equipment manufacturers to discuss the ever-growing battle of availability vs competency. With new technology and a thirst for retrofit ability on the rise, how can we ensure that crews have the competency and training required to keep pace with change.

With the ever-increasing focus on clean energy transition dominating discussions around the industry, we take a more precise look at wind-assisted propulsion. What’s working well for those early adopters using wind in their ship operations mix? And, crucially, are engineers, operators and captains ready for more wide-spread adoption?