Skills for the Future
CLIA’s oceangoing cruise lines provide continuous training in marine and technical fields, preparing seafarers to operate advanced technologies as the industry moves toward net-zero cruising. As digitalization grows, crew must adapt by building tech and sustainability skills and using tools like AI and smart devices for efficient, eco-friendly operations.
Future-Ready Cruise Workforce
CLIA’s oceangoing member cruise lines provide continuous training across marine education and nautical sciences, such as navigation, marine engineering, and electrical engineering. As the cruise industry continues its course towards net-zero cruising by 2050, a new and critical area will be how seafarers obtain the skills needed for safely operating innovative technologies, including navigation systems and the handling of alternative fuels. As the cruise industry transitions, thousands of seafarers will need to be trained in alternative fuel technologies, the number progressively increasing each decade, especially into the 2040s.
Technology Skills
Equally important is the need to adapt training in general to changing business procedures and processes related to digitalization. New skills will be required as digitalization accelerates.
Cruise lines are increasingly using cutting edge technologies onboard, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), for instance, for more efficient operations – in areas such as reducing food waste and the reduction of fuel consumption. Crew, including in hotel operations, will need to be digitally literate – able to use handheld devices such as phones or smart pads, and able to follow new policies on waste reduction, energy reduction and eco-friendly operations. Crew will also need to quickly adjust to change.
As digitalization progresses, cruise lines will have more access to data, and this will allow for further customization of the guest experience. At the same time, officers and engineers will need to be proficient in analyzing data gathered for more efficient operations.
“I have seen firsthand how important training for new technology is. Making sure seafarers and shoreside staff are fully trained and familiar with these advanced technologies is critical to ensure the technology itself works successfully as intended.”
Joep Bollerman
Vice President Global Passenger Ships Support Centre at Lloyd’s Register
Green Skills
CLIA is actively engaged with the International Chamber of Shipping’s (ICS) maritime Just Transition Taskforce, which seeks to strengthen and coordinate collaboration between governments, industry, and academia towards a safe, equitable, and human-entered approach to the transition towards a decarbonized shipping industry.
Collaboration with schools and our training partners is crucial as cruise lines look towards future staffing and “green skills” expertise.
“Cruise lines are constantly evaluating their green skills training and collaborating with schools and training partners to stay updated,” says Eric Visser, Senior Director, Maritime Operations People, Holland America Line and Seabourn. “Labour partners, such as our talent partners, CLIA, Flag States and unions are pivotal in communicating needs and solutions to keep moving forward in having the best-trained seafarers on our fleets.”
Environmental Officers
In addition to technical aspects, cruise lines will need additional crew knowledgeable about environmental practices and regulations – in areas such as waste reduction, energy conservation and eco-friendly operations. Many cruise ships now have an Environmental Officer onboard. These officers are subject matter experts in environmental regulations and oversee all aspects of environmental management and compliance.
“I joined cruise to escape the 9 to 5 routine and to pursue my two big passions, environmental protection and the ocean.”
Fenia Kalachani, Environmental Officer with TUI Cruises
“I am proud to protect our environment. In my role, I train and educate our crew onboard to recycle and reuse to reduce garbage. I monitor emissions at sea and in the various ports of call and keep an eye on the proper and careful discharging of any harmful products ashore, to protect our communities and oceans.”
Spyridon Bouras
Environmental Officer, Royal Caribbean International’s Freedom of the Seas