Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global 2026 highlights personnel shortages, AI's role, training costs, and seafarers' working conditions.
At the Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global 2026 conference held in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, issues such as the personnel shortage faced by the global maritime industry, the impact of artificial intelligence on ship operations, training costs for alternative fuels, and the working conditions of seafarers were discussed. Industry representatives emphasized that the transformation in maritime should be evaluated not only with new technologies but also in conjunction with the training and employment policies of crew members.
Crew Connect Global 2026, held from October 20-22, 2026, at the Shangri-La The Fort hotel in Manila, brought together shipowners, ship operators, human resources managers, and maritime training experts.
During the conference, attended by over 750 maritime professionals, discussions revolved around the future of crew members, international training standards, technological transformation, and personnel employment.
Is there really a personnel shortage in maritime?
One of the prominent topics on the second day of the conference was the reported shortage of qualified personnel in the international maritime sector.
In the conference assessment published by Seatrade Maritime on October 22, the scope and causes of the long-standing crew shortage in the industry were discussed.
It was emphasized in the evaluations at the conference that the need for personnel varies according to the type of vessel, the transportation segment in which it operates, and the experience levels of seafarers.
Pia Melling, one of the panel participants, raised the question of whether ships are actually unable to sail due to crew shortages in personnel shortage discussions.
This approach highlighted the discussions that the sector should focus not only on the total number of crew members but also on the qualifications needed for different roles and the employment conditions of the existing personnel.
Artificial intelligence is changing the tasks of seafarers
Another significant topic of the conference was the impact of artificial intelligence technologies on decision-making processes in maritime.
With the increasing prevalence of digital systems on ships, it was emphasized that personnel must possess not only traditional maritime knowledge but also the competence to use new technologies.
While discussing the role of artificial intelligence in operational decision-making processes, the adaptation of maritime training to technological developments was also evaluated.
The comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code conducted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was also on the agenda of the conference.
In the second phase of the STCW review, 22 identified areas of deficiency related to emerging technologies, alternative fuels, and the professional qualifications of crew members are being addressed.
Who will cover the training costs for new fuels?
The maritime sector's shift towards alternative fuels to reduce carbon emissions is creating new requirements in the training of crew members.
Personnel working on vessels powered by fuels such as LNG, methanol, and ammonia need to undergo specialized training.
The financing of these trainings was also discussed at Crew Connect Global 2026.
Raal Harris, speaking in the conference assessment, pointed out that despite the high demand for qualified crew members, some seafarers are expected to complete their training on their own time and without any compensation.
The panel discussed how training costs should be shared among shipowners, ship operators, and employees.
The IMO continues to publish temporary training guidelines to enhance the competencies of personnel working on vessels powered by alternative fuels. Training guidelines for vessels operating with methanol and ammonia were published in July 2026.
Seafarers want more internet access on ships
The social life of crew members and access to internet connectivity on ships were also addressed at the conference.
In sessions directly attended by seafarers, it was noted that reliable internet access on ships remains a significant issue.
According to Seatrade Maritime's conference assessment, due to inadequate internet connectivity on some vessels, seafarers are unable to access even basic services such as online payment transactions for months.
Panel participants conveyed that crew members prefer the development of connectivity options rather than restrictions on internet usage.
With the change in communication between ship and shore personnel, it was expressed that new working models and career opportunities in maritime should also be evaluated.
Crew policies of passenger ships were cited as examples
The conference also discussed whether commercial cargo vessels could benefit from human resources practices in the cruise sector in terms of personnel management.
The focus was on brokerage fees in personnel employment, costs faced by seafarers during recruitment processes, and career opportunities during the transition from sea to land.
Industry representatives evaluated the support for the professional development of crew members and the retention of experienced personnel in the sector.
By 2030, an additional 113,000 officers may be needed
Discussions regarding personnel needs in the maritime sector are also reflected in international research.
According to the 2026 crew workforce report by BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), there is an estimated shortage of approximately 39,100 officers with STCW certificates in the sector.
The report predicts that by 2030, an additional 113,735 officers will be needed.
Captain Somasundar Nair, Executive Director of Fleet Management Limited, stated in his evaluation during the conference that maritime training should evolve alongside new technologies and alternative fuels.
Nair emphasized that preparations for the ships of the future should begin much earlier than when the ships enter service.
It was announced that Fleet Management operates over 30 dual-fuel vessels and has provided training on LNG, methanol, ammonia, and digital systems to more than 1,750 seafarers and technical personnel.
The company reported a retention rate of over 95% for its personnel.
Sessions held at Crew Connect Global 2026 highlighted that in the future of the maritime sector, technological investments, as well as training, personnel employment, working conditions, and the professional development of crew members will continue to be of great importance.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
