Method for addressing workforce deficiency: Vessel navigated via remote control - Method for Addressing Crew Shortages: Remotely Operating Ships
Inland shipping company HGK Shipping is set to trial a groundbreaking six-month test of remote control technology for its ship, the Niedersachsen 2. The experimental voyage will take the vessel 400 kilometers through the Elbe-Seitenkanal, with the captain stationed in Duisburg, rather than on board. This innovation aims to determine the maturity of the technology required to operate ships remotely, addressing the pressing issue of crew shortage.
TheRemote control of inland ships is viewed as a promising solution to alleviate the acute crew shortage in the maritime industry. By allowing ship operators to work from a centralized control center, they can maintain a stable office job, potentially making the profession more attractive for applicants.With this setup, a normal private life after work becomes feasible, compared to traditional roles that often demand extended periods at sea.
Steffen Bauer, CEO of HGK Shipping, supports the notion that this technological shift is a significant lever for enhancing the profession's appeal when recruiting qualified workers.Other companies, such as Rhenus, are also pursuing similar approaches. Rhenus aims to establish its own remote control bridge for its fleet by 2030, while investing in vessels equipped with the necessary technology. This endeavor is expected to create additional appealing job opportunities for ship operators in the future.
The German government is keenly interested in the success of this project, as Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) notes. Schnieder emphasized that inland waterway transport is the only means of transport with available capacity in Germany. The crew shortage should not impede this potential resource.
In summary, the development of remote control technology for inland ships is a significant step towards addressing the crew shortage issue. By offering a more appealing and technologically advanced work environment, companies can attract and retain skilled workers, thereby modernizing the maritime industry.
- Vocational training programs focused on remote control technology could be introduced to attract more candidates to the maritime industry, as the technological shift presents an opportunity to create a more stable and appealing work environment compared to traditional roles.
- With the increasing investment in remote control technology by companies like HGK Shipping and Rhenus, the finance sector may consider offering loans or grants to support the development of such technology, as it holds the potential to revolutionize the transportation industry and contribute to German economic growth through increased capacity in inland waterway transport.
