Wanted: Big Data experts for maritime industries

3 in 5 firms say there is a lack of access to Big Data.

Leaders in the maritime and logistics industries are calling for more Big Data experts, saying that a severe skills shortage is hampering the industry’s growth potential.

In a survey released by Sea Asia 2017, 63% of maritime industry leaders believe that lack of access to Big Data is preventing them from utilising it, while only 12% say they are currently compiling, analysing, and storing Big Data.

The findings also showed that despite not having access to Big Data, many companies are already recognising its potential benefits, with 77% saying they aim to use Big Data to monitor vessel performance and another 70% saying it can help improve cost savings.

Half of the respondents, or 50%, highlighted the need for more skilled professionals in Big Data, while 80% stressed the importance of developing the skills of current employees.

The survey was released ahead of this year’s Sea Asia, a maritime and offshore conference and exhibition organised annually by Seatrade and the Singapore Maritime Foundation. The trends highlighted in the survey will form part of the discussions in the conference.

“From enabling cargo visibility to the development of self-piloting ships, the benefits are clear and the industry will develop slower than others if it does not harness Big Data successfully,” said Oh Lee Bok, head of Group Technology at PSA International Pte Ltd.

Oh, who will be speaking at the conference, also said that the industry must fully integrate Big Data analytics into the current working environment as it moves towards smart shipping.

Oskar Levander, vice president of Innovation – Marine at Rolls-Royce echoed Oh’s sentiments, saying that Big Data is a disruptive technology that is rapidly reshaping the sector. “It is, therefore, crucial for the industry to come together and collaborate with one another and the government to accelerate innovation, improve processes, and create value,” he added.

Levander will be also be speaking at the conference, which will be held at the Marina Bay Sands.