Global uncertainty due to conflict, inflation, energy costs, and supply chain questions: 2022 will likely lead to a challenging 2023. These are uncertain times thanks to global events. However, they come after a decade of disruption, so we are more accustomed to it now than in 2012, when we were still reeling from the aftermath of the global downturn.

As it always does, the global maritime industry will still function, being a necessity for trade and commerce. But it will be a more modern industry built around today’s challenges. The coming year will see a more realistic belief and use of digital tools for many reasons, including compliance, competitive advantage, and convenience. 

As it always does, the global maritime industry will still function, being a necessity for trade and commerce. But it will be a more modern industry built around today’s challenges. The coming year will see a more realistic belief and use of digital tools for many reasons, including compliance, competitive advantage, and convenience

We see how our workforce benefits from the ease of digital tools and increased connectivity and how the available solutions will become more dominant. Legislation has already mandated elements of data collection and accurate monitoring and reporting, with increased environmental legislation being the bedrock of this change. 

We also know that crew welfare has become a keen focus and will continue to do so. The efforts to ensure crews are treated well and given the connectivity they want and need will be significant. The lingering reminder of our industry’s treatment of crews during the worst of the pandemic response tells us that we need to do better, otherwise we will suffer a severe crewing problem.

2023 will be a year of increased and more reliable connectivity, greater realisation of the ease of digitalisation and full awareness that these are not trends but permanent changes.