Digitalization and Sustainability in Maritime Management: Stakeholder Perspectives on Technology and Vocational Training

Abstract

This study examines the critical intersection of digital transformation and sustainability in maritime operations, with particular focus on bridging the gap between industry needs and vocational training. As global shipping faces increasing pressure to meet environmental regulations and technological demands, our research provides a comprehensive evaluation of current practices across three stakeholder groups: port professionals, maritime educators, and recent graduates. Using qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews, we assessed the adoption rates of key technologies (IoT, AI, blockchain) and the effectiveness of sustainability education in vocational programs. The findings reveal significant progress in digital tool implementation (scoring 8.2/10 overall), with IoT systems achieving particularly high adoption (9.2/10). However, we identified persistent challenges in vocational training alignment (7.8/10) and practical sustainability education (7.9/10). The study offers actionable recommendations for industry-education collaboration, including curriculum modernization with hands-on technology modules and enhanced sustainability certification programs. These insights contribute to ongoing discussions about maritime workforce development by providing empirical evidence of skill gaps and proposing concrete solutions. Port authorities and educational institutions can leverage these findings to prioritize investments in both digital infrastructure and human capital development, ultimately supporting the industry's transition toward more sustainable and technologically advanced operations.