“Good seafarers learn to read the sea before they read the chart,” my Captain told me on my first day aboard as a Deck Cadet. I was standing on the bridge, nervous, eager and still finding my sea legs. At the time, I thought he was just giving me practical advice about navigation. But the more time I spent at sea, the more those words resonated with a deeper truth. In today’s world, where climate as well as political change can shake every part of the maritime industry, reading the sea also means understanding how our actions affect it.
These days, being a good seafarer isn’t just about plotting courses and steering ships. It’s also about being aware. Aware of the ocean we depend on, the waves and air we sail through and the impact our industry has on everything. New technology is here and it is still coming fast, with cleaner fuels, smart ships and digital ports. There is a lot of movement, but none of that will mean much if we don’t first shift how we think.
Let’s be honest. The industry is evolving. Ships powered by hydrogen and LNG, and even wind-assisted propulsion methods, are making their way into global fleets. Some vessels are even experimenting with actual sails, harking back to nature, in a very meaningful way. Shipbuilders are testing new hull designs to reduce drag, and ports are moving toward automation in order to save time and cut emissions. It’s all incredibly exciting. But here’s the key question: what about us, the seafarers?
Are we just waiting for someone else to hand us a greener ship? We shouldn’t be. We can’t afford to be.
Right now, we’re in a kind of transition phase, where old practices and new technologies coexist. This gives us a unique opportunity to choose – for example, which companies do we want to work for, and what values should we stand behind?
One simple but impactful action that we can take is to identify employers that prioritize sustainability. If enough of us make that choice, we send a clear message that the environment matters. And in return, companies will (as they must) step up to the challenge by showing what they’re doing to protect the environment – such as what fuels they’re using, what systems they’re developing and how sustainability is part of the culture on board.
Then there’s digitalization. Many worry that automation will replace human jobs. But I see it differently. Tools like weather routing software, using satellite data to calculate the safest and most fuel-efficient routes, help us navigate more efficiently and reduce fuel consumption. AI systems are being developed to enhance navigation and predictive maintenance. These tools can make our work easier and more efficient, but they still need us. They rely on our experience, intuition and judgment. Our expertise – part of reading the sea – remains at the core of safe and smart operations.
So I believe that the role of the seafarer is evolving, not shrinking. Future crews will need new skills: knowledge of technology, data interpretation and system management. The traditional hands-on approach is still necessary, but it will be paired with sharp minds capable of managing hybrid engines, digital interfaces and automated controls. It’s a new challenge, but it’s one we can absolutely rise to.
But we can’t forget this: the green transition must include everyone, and especially those countries that are still referred to as developing. These are often sidelined in global discussions about change, but they’re not on the periphery : they’re at the heart of the issue. Over 3 billion people, mostly in developing nations, rely on the ocean for their livelihoods, food and trade. They’re also the most vulnerable to the impact of climate change, with rising sea levels, coastal erosion and unpredictable storms threatening their homes and futures.
If we want green shipping to succeed, these countries cannot be left behind. They need access to the same technology and the same training, and most importantly, a voice. Organizations like the IMO and UNCTAD are already providing support, funding and space for policy discussions. But we need to do more. Developing countries shouldn’t just be passive recipients – they should be part of both the process and the result of change. They, too, have knowledge, experience and real-world solutions to offer.
Conclusion
In the ecological evolution that we are witnessing, every industry should be environmentally accountable for the result of what it does. Wherever you’re working in our own industry, green shipping is on your shoulders, and better appreciation of related sectors can innovate the maritime world. A greener industry requires mutual understanding and good communication, and incorporation of advances widely, holistically and beyond any single specialty. In a similar way, we as seafarers need improved knowledge, skills and training to better prepare us for the still changing world, and by striving towards achieving these personal, corporate and wider industry goals, we can realize a sustainable and global industrial revolution.
About the author:
DC Sunita Nimjongjit, “MAERSK CURACAO”
Deck Cadet Sunita Nimjongjit is a motivated and disciplined seafarer with a strong interest in maritime navigation, shipboard safety and cargo handling. She is currently building hands-on experience through onboard training and is committed to contributing to safe and efficient vessel operations.
Known for her team spirit and work ethic, she brings energy and commitment to every assignment. Outside of her professional aspirations, she enjoys photography, drawing and reading—creative outlets that help her stay inspired and balanced during life at sea.
