(NEWS) WMU/ITF Transport 2040 Phase II Stakeholder Workshop

April

2022

WMU/ITF Transport 2040 Phase II Stakeholder Workshop

Through generous funding from the International Transport Federation Workers’ Union (ITF), the World Maritime University (WMU) is conducting Phase II of the Transport 2040 flagship project. Transport 2040 Phase II builds on the previous research and explores in-depth maritime shipping issues related to automation and technology.

In the second and fourth weeks of March, two Building the Road Map to Future Shipping Technologies Workshops for Phase II were delivered online to stakeholders to address the vital issues of the future of work in the maritime, oceans, ports, and related industries. The workshops brought together 34 participants from over 20 countries and built on the previous Phase II workshops held for WMU students focused on skill foresight.

The stakeholder workshops included discussions surrounding new technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and digitalization of the economy, along with changes in socio-political patterns and climate change that are shifting the nature of work. The intensive and stimulating discussions resulted in a strong set of future insights and recommendations that reflect the participants’ firm commitment to cooperate, coordinate and collaborate on the development and implementation of responsive and innovative approaches in their respective sectors and areas of responsibility. The insights gained will serve as guidance for all stakeholders committed to action and focused on increasing the readiness and sustainability across the maritime and ocean industries, particularly towards identifying opportunities for reskilling, upskilling and new careers paths for seafarers.

Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, WMU President said, “If we can pursue meaningful action based on the insights and recommendations derived from the workshops, we will be well on our way to affecting real change and making progress to achieve myriad aspects of sustainability in the maritime and ocean fields.”

The goals of Phase II include: creating a roadmap towards future smart and autonomous shipping; identifying the reskilling and upskilling scenarios for future seafarers and e-farers; developing an overview of the likelihood of automation and technology in various countries; providing a legal assessment on the impact of automation and technology in selected countries; effectively informing ITF membership of conclusions; recommending policy guidelines for a technology transition that is fair and inclusive with special emphasis on young and female workers.

The Transport 2040 workshops support achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality education), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), SDG 5 (Gender equality), SDG 9 (Industry innovation and infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life below water).

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