A shortage of skilled labour in maritime sector
The shipping industry continues to face a high demand for skilled professionals, driven by advancements in technology and alternative propulsion methods. At a conference held by the German Shipowners' Association (VDR) and the German Nautical Association (DNV) in Berlin on 6 June 2024, experts highlighted the ongoing challenges in recruiting maritime personnel.
The sector's appeal is reflected in an 11% increase in new entrants in 2023. Despite this improvement, Bimco and ICS predict a need for 17,902 officers annually until 2026 to operate the global fleet.
Erik Hirsch of Hapag-Lloyd emphasised that companies must invest in training to remain competitive, and Eric Oehlmann from Germany’s general directorate for waterways and shipping digitisation noted that digitisation is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and job attractiveness.
Currently, around 7,000 people are employed on the country’s 1,800 ships, with over 21,000 working onshore, directly supporting nearly 30,000 jobs. The maritime sector indirectly supports up to 400,000 jobs.
Holger Jäde of the VDR stressed the importance of modern training programmes and of promoting maritime careers to attract young talent, which is essential for maintaining a competitive maritime industry. (pb)