Skills for smart seafaring

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 6, 2026

Datuk Zahid Osman, CEO of MISC, emphasized that the maritime industry will increasingly demand professionals skilled in both traditional seamanship and advanced digital and sustainability technologies. This shift, driven by automation and decarbonization efforts aligned with international net-zero targets, requires accelerated curriculum updates and ongoing workforce training to meet future industry challenges.

The maritime industry is poised for a significant shift over the next decade, with increasing demand for professionals who possess a blend of traditional seafaring expertise and advanced digital and sustainability skills. Datuk Zahid Osman, president and group chief executive officer of MISC, highlighted the evolving landscape of maritime careers, emphasizing the need for roles such as AI-assisted navigation officers, cybersecurity specialists, data analytics managers, smart-port technologists, electrification engineers, and alternative-fuel experts.

According to Zahid, the integration of artificial intelligence, automation, and green technologies is transforming the requirements for maritime professionals. Traditional seamanship skills are now being augmented by competencies in digital systems, data management, alternative fuels, and sustainability. He stressed that the sector’s shift towards greater automation and decarbonisation — in line with the International Maritime Organisation’s net-zero goals — will further elevate the importance of these capabilities.

Malaysia’s maritime education institutions, including the Malaysian Maritime Academy, are actively revising their curricula to address these emerging demands. However, Zahid noted that the pace of curriculum development must accelerate to keep up with evolving international standards and industry expectations. He pointed out that future graduates will need not only digital fluency and knowledge of green technologies but also cybersecurity awareness, data management skills, adaptability, and leadership abilities. These attributes are essential to managing increasingly complex and technologically sophisticated maritime operations.

As the maritime sector embraces innovations to reduce environmental impact and improve operational efficiency, the workforce will require continuous upskilling to navigate these changes. Zahid’s observations underscore the imperative for educational institutions and industry stakeholders to collaborate closely to prepare the next generation of maritime professionals for a rapidly transforming global shipping environment.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.