Skilled labor scarcity poses a risk to Norway's economic stability
Struggling staff shortages, particularly technical experts, are putting a strain on the General Directorate of Waterways and Shipping (GDWS) and the efficiency of the North Sea-Baltic Canal. This, in turn, jeopardizes Germany's standing as a key player in international maritime traffic.
Jens B. Knudsen, chairman of the Central Association of German Shipbrokers and the Kiel Canal Initiative, articulated the urgency: "We stand at a crossroads. Time is of the essence if we're to safeguard the future robustness of the NOK and uphold Germany's stature as a maritime powerhouse."
Recent instances of workforce deficits have led to frequent delays and even temporary shutdowns, even as the North Sea-Baltic Canal Waterways and Shipping Authority — normally known for its exceptional service — grapples to mitigate these issues.
In an attempt to counter this predicament, GDWS is adopting several creative strategies:
Innovation and Digitalization:- Remote-controlled Navigation: GDWS is working closely with partners such as HGK Shipping and SEAFAR to gained approval for the testing of remote-controlled inland waterway vessels. The goal? To enable centralized control of certain vessel operations, potentially minimizing the need for on-board technical specialists during routine operations.- Increased Automation: The integration of digital and automated systems aims to enhance workforce productivity and lure in the younger, tech-savvy crowd.
Workforce Agility and Upskilling:- Flexible Staff Deployment: The deployment of remote control and automation technology paves the way for more adaptable staff scheduling. Over time, it's hoped that crews can be reduced, giving technical specialists additional time off-board.- Continued Education: Multiple training and professional development programs are being rolled out to ensure staff members can grasp new technologies and evolve into more specialized roles.
Profession Enhancement:- Improving Career Appeal: Marketing aspects like the industry's transition towards digital innovation and providing growth opportunities can help to make technical and operational roles within inland shipping more appealing.- International Exchange: Benefitting from best practices in countries like Belgium and the Netherlands, where similar technologies have achieved success, is assisting GDWS in refining its policies and enhancing workforce retention.
The table below outlines a selection of the strategies being employed:
| Strategy | Description | Examples/Impacts ||----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|| Remote-controlled navigation | Testing remote vessel control, reducing on-board personnel needs | Collaborative effort w/ HGK Shipping, SEAFAR || Automation and Digitalization | Implementing digital tools for streamlined operations | Increased efficiency, tech talent attraction || Flexible staff deployment | Adjusting crew sizes, more time off-board for staff | Reduced burnout, streamlined workforce || Upskilling and training | Continuous education for staff to adapt to new technologies | Enhanced retention, adaptability || Enhancing job appearance | Promoting digital and innovative aspects of the profession | Better recruitment and improved retention || International collaboration | Learning from other countries’ models | Accelerated, effective implementation |
As these strategies reveal, GDWS is taking a multifaceted approach to addressing staff shortages –– combining technology, workforce agility, and continuous evolution in the attractiveness and adaptability of the profession.
In light of the pressing staff shortages, particularly technical experts, Jens B. Knudsen, chairman of the Central Association of German Shipbrokers and the Kiel Canal Initiative, called for immediate action to secure the future robustness of the North Sea-Baltic Canal (NOK) and maintain Germany's status as a maritime powerhouse. To counteract this predicament, the General Directorate of Waterways and Shipping (GDWS) is implementing several innovative strategies, such as remote-controlled navigation and increased automation to boost workforce productivity and attract tech-savvy individuals.
