Wärtsilä survey shows reluctance to adopt digital tools in maritime

Wärtsilä’s Debunking maritime myths of digital transformation report surveyed attitudes to digitalisation among maritime professionals across Europe and the Middle East, the US, and the Asia-Pacific region. The company said the report "uncovers the surprising misconceptions thwarting progress".

According to Wärtsilä, "The research shines a light on these fears and misunderstandings, with over two thirds (68%) of industry professionals believing the ability to digitalise existing infrastructure and retrofit vessels is challenging, and over half (56%) agreeing the time and cost implications involved with digital transformation projects are too high. On top of that, 63% believe there is a lack of skills and knowledge among seafarers to fulfil the requirements of new technologies." 

Of its 221 respondents, the survey report showed 70% of industry professionals believe they have a very clear understanding of why digitalisation is needed and the benefits it offers. Similarly, 69% of those polled believe collaboration between industry players could be improved, with 88% agreeing that collaboration will be key to seeing success in digital transformation efforts.

Some 64% of respondents reported having the opinion that people are more crucial to digital transformation than technology, and that without an increase in initial support from a greater number of maritime industry professionals in decision-making roles, attempts to digitalise operations will struggle to find success.

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