Nautical Institute and Lloyd’s Register Investigate Impact of Technology
[By The Nautical Institute
The future of shipping is already here. From autonomous systems to artificial intelligence, maritime technology is transforming how ships are designed, operated and crewed. Despite this wave of innovation, one vital question remains: how do these changes affect the safety and welfare of people working at sea?
In collaboration with Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the Seafarer Technology Engagement, Empowerment and Resilience (STEER) project will harness The Nautical Institute’s extensive international network to explore the real-world impact of the combined introduction of new systems and working practices at sea. While individual technologies undergo rigorous testing, little is known about their collective effect on seafarers’ operational effectiveness, mental and physical health. This project will officially launch a global research and engagement initiative designed to answer that question, act on the findings and drive safer outcomes for those who work at sea.
Captain David Patraiko FNI, Director of Projects at The Nautical Institute, said: “Seafarers are at the heart of shipping, yet their lived experience is often overlooked due to commercial pressures and the rush to innovate. The STEER Project is about listening to those on the front line, their experiences, insights and collective knowledge. Only then we will be able to develop the right tools that the maritime industry can use to make technology work for people and enable better decision-making.”
The Nautical Institute and Lloyd’s Register Foundation share a deep commitment to safety, sustainability and human-centred processes that improve the working environment at sea. Both organisations believe that the benefits of innovation must never come at the expense of those who work on our ships and keep global trade moving.
During this project, The Nautical Institute will listen to the feedback provided from across the maritime spectrum, seafarers, shipowners, equipment manufacturers, regulators and trainers in order to gather real-world insights into how rapid technological change affects safety, skills, welfare and decision-making on board and ashore. The findings will be used to create a practical toolbox, enabling the industry to adopt new technologies in a way that strengthens, rather than undermines, human competence, knowledge and expertise.
Tim Slingsby, Director of Skills and Education at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said: “Maritime education and training need to evolve quickly to keep pace with the rate of technological innovation, whilst also being aware of the risks of creating skills gaps between seafarers in comparatively wealthy or poorer regions. By leveraging The Nautical Institute’s extensive international network of maritime professionals, and Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s sectoral expertise, the STEER Project will help ensure the seafaring workforce have the capacity, capability and understanding to adopt new and emerging technologies safely and support the equitable transition to a decarbonised and digitalised ocean economy.”
With members in 153 countries and an established reputation for promoting professionalism, best practice, continuous professional development and safety, The Nautical Institute is uniquely positioned to bring the maritime community together for this open exchange of ideas and experiences. Combined with Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s mission to engineer a safer world, this collaboration will ensure the project’s findings reach decision-makers at every level.
By 2028 the project aims to have created the right tools for innovation and seamanship to thrive in a technologically advanced but human-cantered maritime industry.
For more details and to express your interest to actively be involved in the project, please visit our website https://www.nautinst.org/steer-project.html.
The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive
Sweden’s National Hydrographer Nominated for IHO Secretary-General
[By Swedish Maritime Administration]
Magnus Wallhagen, National Hydrographer of Sweden, has been nominated as a candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).
The role of Secretary-General is the highest executive position within the IHO, responsible for leading and managing the organization’s global operations. The IHO plays a central role in coordinating international efforts in hydrography and nautical charting, including standardization and harmonization of practices and technologies. This marks the first time a Swedish candidate has been nominated for one of the top positions within the IHO.
“It is a great privilege that Sweden, through the Swedish Maritime Administration, has built such a strong reputation that we can now put forward a candidate for this important position. Sweden’s commitment to innovation and progress in hydrography gives us an excellent foundation to contribute at the highest international level,” says Erik Eklund, Director-General of the Swedish Maritime Administration.
Magnus Wallhagen has held leading roles within the Swedish Maritime Administration’s hydrographic division for nearly 35 years and has long been active within the IHO. Since 2020, he has served as Chair of the Hydrographic Services and Standards Committee (HSSC) — the IHO body responsible for technical development and the creation of international hydrographic standards.
He has played a pivotal role in the development of the S-100 framework, the next-generation digital charting system that underpins modern, dynamic nautical charts — integrating real-time data such as weather, tides, and currents to enhance maritime safety and efficiency.
“Our dedicated work in developing international standards for the future of maritime navigation, combined with our strong engagement in the IHO, clearly demonstrates Sweden’s leadership in this field. We are hopeful that this nomination will take us all the way,”
adds Erik Eklund.
Wallhagen’s candidacy is guided by a clear vision: to ensure that the IHO remains a strong, unifying organization that supports all member states in addressing the challenges of the digital transformation of hydrography and e-navigation. His approach emphasizes collaboration, inclusiveness, and responsiveness to the needs of all IHO members.
The election for the position of Secretary-General will take place in April 2026 in Monaco, during the IHO Assembly, where all 103 member states will vote to appoint the new Secretary-General for a six-year term.
The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.
ABS Acquires Maritime Training Firm MetaSHIP from Orka Informatics
[By ABS]
In a landmark deal to deliver immersive, next-generation training at scale to the maritime industry, ABS has signed an agreement to purchase the MetaSHIP intellectual property and related vessel simulator software assets from Orka Informatics as part of the strategic growth plan for ABS Training Solutions.
The acquisition, subject to Turkish regulatory approval, will allow ABS to expand its highly realistic digital training program, which can be delivered on board, in port or at home, as well as in a global network of high-tech ABS learning centers in Qatar, Greece and Singapore. The software powers an embedded gaming experience using the industry-leading ABS MetaSHIP Fleet, virtual vessels that allow students to reach true competence without setting foot on board.
“Ultimately, the global maritime workforce must be equipped not only to understand new operating technologies, but to manage the transition itself, navigating hybrid systems, evolving safety standards and dynamic regulatory environments. Investment in advanced training that delivers true competence rather than minimum standards is not optional; it is a strategic imperative for fleet safety and resilience, environmental compliance and global maritime competitiveness,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO.
“ABS is leading the way for our industry by equipping ourselves to deliver critical training at scale and pace, which shipping will certainly need to meet the challenging skills gap. By redefining training with world class tools and immersive techniques, our technology-focused approach allows students to spend many hours studying vessel operations without ever stepping foot on board.”
The ABS MetaSHIP game-based training breaks down the complex tasks required to operate modern ships into highly visual and engaging lessons that equip seafarers with the skills they need in a rapidly evolving maritime landscape. MetaSHIP is a digital maritime universe featuring vessels, ports and waterways, and training and assessment on vessel operations through gamification. The ODENES platform, also included in the acquisition and part of MetaSHIP, tracks training completions and generates reports. Navigational Skill and Behavioral Assessment, another component of MetaSHIP, is a specific simulation used for measuring the performance of maritime personnel, designed to evaluate and enhance the operational skills and behaviors of users.
“MetaSHIP began as an idea to democratize access to maritime training, to make learning as immersive, realistic, and accessible as possible. Seeing it evolve into a technology that will now empower seafarers around the world under ABS’ leadership is incredibly rewarding,” said Levent ?en, Innovator of MetaSHIP.
ABS has appointed Campbell Smith as Senior Vice President of ABS Training Solutions to lead expansion of its pioneering maritime training solutions that harness the potential of immersive courses that can be delivered anywhere.
John McDonald, ABS President and COO, said: “Campbell Smith’s appointment signals ABS’ commitment to delivering training solutions that meet this urgent need. ABS sits at the intersection of regulation, technology and operational safety and is well equipped to support the industry with the tools and insight to operate safely in an increasingly complex environment.”
Smith will be joining ABS in November from Maersk Training where he currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer. He has a resume that includes leadership positions in a series of global maritime operations, building full-curriculum sales academies, devising global sales strategies and delivering organic growth at scale. He holds a master’s degree from INSEAD University in Fontainebleau, France, as well as a bachelor’s degree in marketing and international business and a post-graduate diploma in communications from the Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.
Leading shipowners and operators are turning to ABS for crew training to enhance operational safety and performance. ABS Training Solutions offers a premium curriculum of targeted training to meet the technical, operational and management needs of the marine and offshore industries.
The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.
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