Page 94 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - MARTIOS 2023

SMART SHIPPING Lorem ipsum
Special report sponsored by

HUMANS WILL be sustainable and reliable. Black boxes need to operate petence of individuals. No matter what option will be exer-
correctly; when they fail, they must be restored as fast as cised, it is a fact that specialised human resources should
possible.
be employed to cope with the evaluation of big data and
BE THE KEY What threatens the reliable digitalisation of maritime safety? propose to the management team actions to be taken.
We would say oligopolies, cyber risks and human resources.
Despite advances in the regulatory framework, technology,
TO ENABLING In our view, oligopolies are the biggest threat due to how and the installation of various software and hardware systems
growth is interpreted and achieved in our capitalistic world.
to counter cyber threats, the weak link in cybersecurity con-
THE INEVITABLE For example, oligopolies produce Printed Circuit
Boards (PCBs) and make their components in facto-
DIGITALISATION ries that the end users have no idea about; they rapidly S
change technologies, market new products, and stop
OF SHIPPING producing and providing support for older products. Software
As a result, we now see products with a 5–10-year life
and support for ships with an expected 25-year life.
Consolidations and oligopolies are also observed in Liveware L L H Hardware
dent-free (IF EffEff). Therefore, for ship equipment suppliers, who assemble the components
management companies, safety is a cru- into modules for their systems. Because of these con- Central Liveware
cial aspect. solidations, a radical degradation in the after-sales
Safety was previously defined as ‘the service is experienced and, considering the limited
control of accidental loss’. Recently, it role of the crew on board in troubleshooting black
has been redefined as ‘the ability to boxes, the reliable operation of digital technology is E
restore physically and mentally healthy threatened, and its role in boosting safety on board is Environment
after any failure’. adversely affected.
Another threat to reliably digitalise for safety is cyberspace tinues to be human behaviour. Hackers have become increas-
threats, which we will elaborate on further below. ingly sophisticated in their tactics, using social engineering
Crew non familiarity with digital technologies is not a threat techniques to trick individuals into divulging sensitive infor-
comparable to oligopolies and cyber threats because we mation or compromising their devices. These tactics include
are all familiar with smart “everything” in our daily activities. phishing scams, baiting, pretexting, watering hole attacks,
Therefore, we can cope with smart technology on board. What and ransomware. Therefore, it is vital to keep all software
Digitilisation is already overwhelm- will be needed is a new learning curve that will have to be and systems up to date and to have a backup of important
ing our lives at all levels and areas of applied to alternative fuel technologies on our way to the data stored in a secure location.
human activity. The reason or justifica- 2050 zero carbon target, but that is a topic beyond the scope While technology can significantly mitigate cyber threats, it
tion for this is that smart “everything” of this discussion. Nevertheless, we consider sea-going and is essential to remember that human behaviour will always
makes our lives more comfortable, office personnel non familiarisation with evaluating big data be the weak link. However, by increasing awareness of the
boosts our senses, multiplies our options Whether we agree with the old or the and managing cyber hazards as a real threat to the benefits above tactics used by hackers and taking proactive measures
while saving time, and enables us to per- new definition, our opinion is that digi- offered by digitalisation. to protect against them, individuals can greatly reduce the
form everyday activities such as commu- talisation has improved onboard safety. Big data is useless without proper processing and evaluation risk of falling victim to a cyber-attack for themselves and
nicating and monitoring remotely, surfing The rate of accidents has been reduced to determine if and what actions are required. An advanced their company.
the internet, etc., at the speed of light. drastically in the last two decades. The engineering skill set will be needed for efficient analysis Concluding, we believe that humans will be the key to ena-
But what is the role of digitalisation in learning curve and regulatory framework and evaluation of big data. This skill set can be developed bling the inevitable digitalisation of the shipping industry,
promoting human safety and well-being? development over that period indicate in-house or outsourced, depending on the software (in-house which in turn, properly applied, will boost HSQE IF EffEff
For example, is it helping medicine serve clearly how this was achieved. The role of 20x7_ISONIKE_ADV.pdf 1 12/5/22 10:46 PM operations on board ships.
or outsourced), the company size and structure, and the com-
its purpose of improving the quality and digitalisation has been critical in design-
length of human life? ing better ships, systems, and equipment
The undebatable answer to the latter and has been crucial in developing bet-
is yes. However, whether the quality of ter procedures and management sys-
human life has improved is another ques- tems. However, no matter the level of Accred ted Conformance Assessment Body
tion that needs a different approach to digitalisation, the role of humans will be C
the impact of digitalisation. instrumental, which is why the last line M The Strateg c Partner of Cho ce
It is under this perspective that we of defence will always be human per-
should address the question of the formance. Y for Th rd Party Assessment & Cert f cat on
impact of onboard digitalisation on And here again, digitalisation will play a CM
safety. crucial role in assisting company leaders MY
by Takis Koutris, The mission of a ship management com- to shape the proper context for humans CY SCHEME
Managing Director pany is to transport goods as instructed, to operate IF EffEff.
of Roxana Shipping S.A. CMY SCHEME SCHEME SCHEME SCHEME
and ROKS Maritime Inc. Health Safety Environment Quality Of course, with digitalisation, we can fur-
(HSEQ), effectively, efficiently, and inci- ther boost safety on board, but it has to K SCHEME

94 95