Kolkata 

As India as a nation looks to strengthen their position in the global maritime industry, the country’s biggest challenge remains in preparing a new workforce which blends traditional seafaring skills with advanced technology. According to officials at the Indian Maritime University (IMU), artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven technologies integrated into maritime programs are the way forward. 

Conventional roles in ship operations like maintenance and repair continue to in demand in the international maritime industry, but there is an increased demand for experts who can work with automation, alternative fuels, sustainability, and digital technologies. Maritime experts and professors are training the new students to adapt to the new demands of the industry to improve their interest in the field and increase the employability of the youth. 

“India’s biggest skills gap lies in advanced shipbuilding and digital technologies. Industry needs expertise in automation, robotics, alternative fuels, data analytics and digitally enabled manufacturing, alongside traditional maritime engineering skills,” said Rajoo Balaji, Pro Vice-Chancellor of IMU told The Hindu. 

According to him, marine engineering has evolved significantly over the past decade, with engineers now expected to understand AI-driven condition-based maintenance, digital twins and emerging autonomous vessel technologies in addition to conventional operational skills. 

As green shipping gains momentum across the world, education modules are now designed to train the youth on alternative fuels, energy efficiency and environmental compliance for a greener maritime future which complies with global environmental concerns. 

Despite rapid technological changes, demand for conventional seafaring roles remains strong worldwide, alongside opportunities in shipyards, ship repair, marine surveying, and shore-based plant management. However, experts said future roles are likely to expand to include data analysts, automation specialists, and sustainability professionals. 

According to Prof. Balaji, the sector is witnessing a gradual rise in women’s participation and enrollment. While women account for only about 2% of the global seafaring workforce, IMU admission data show that the number of female students in India has seen an 18-fold rise over the past decade, he added. 

Sukanya Rajalakshmi, senior research fellow at the Centre for Policy Research in Maritime Studies at IMU, said the increase reflects changing perceptions of the profession among the women workforce. 

“Greater visibility of maritime careers, changing societal attitudes, and targeted initiatives such as scholarships and fee concessions have encouraged more women to join the sector,” she said. 

However, experts said that misconceptions continue to be a roadblock in this industry where many students believe that seafaring is a male-only profession. Another challenge for the industry is the belief that automation and new technology will drastically decline the number of jobs at sea. But Prof. Balaji says that with innovations and integrated programs, if the industry adapts with the changing times, work will not cease to exist.