This commentary appeared in the print edition of the Jan. 6, 2020, Journal of Commerce Annual Review and Outlook.
The marine transportation system (MTS) has become increasingly complex and interconnected. It is a system of tightly coupled and interdependent systems. Examples include integrated shipboard systems to manage the navigation and operation of vessels increasing in size and complexity, multimodal logistics systems to manage the flow of cargo in and out of ports, and business systems to manage financial transactions.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is characterized by the fusion of digital data and technologies driving changes and disrupting nearly every industry at a rapidly accelerating rate. MTS is no exception. Consequently, MTS will require a digital and tech-savvy maritime workforce as it becomes more integrated, automated, and increasingly dependent on data and digitization.
As we start a new decade, maritime education and training must also evolve to meet the needs of MTS in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Our institutions must have processes in place that allow us quickly to design and deliver relevant programs. We need to create new academic programs that respond to the rapid digitization of MTS, including programs in coding, digital technologies, control systems, systems integration, automation, and cyber safety and resiliency. We must explore and apply innovative uses of digital technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality for maritime education and training. Digital data and technologies must be infused across all of our existing and new academic programs.
In addition to new academic programs, our students need to become more adaptable and resilient. They can no longer assume the technical skills they acquire at our schools will serve the demands of a rapidly changing world. Our institutions must graduate students who can adapt, retool, and relearn throughout their careers to meet the skill sets required for the future MTS workforce.