Andreas Hajipetrou, CEO of Columbia Group, highlighted the importance of ship management in the maritime transport industry in Europe and called for more attention to this vital sector. He stressed that ship management is not just an administrative task, but acts as the operational system of a ship, establishing connections between owners, seafarers, suppliers, and regulators.
The Need for Change in Ship Management Approach
Hajipetrou stated that Europe needs to view ship management differently. The goal should not only be cost reduction, but should be based on safety, intelligence, and trust. If Europe allows the capabilities of ship management to weaken, there is a risk of losing management contracts as well as a decline in the quality of maritime jobs and operational knowledge.
Current Challenges and the Need for Investment
The maritime transport industry is facing a simultaneous shortage of experienced officers. The increasing complexity of ships and the need for AI-based decision-making and stricter environmental regulations have raised the skill level required. Hajipetrou emphasized that simply hiring new people is not enough, and attention must be given to retaining and developing employees' skills throughout their careers.
In this context, strong communication, effective leadership, and support for the mental health of seafarers can help improve the situation. There is also a need to create clear pathways from sea to shore and focus on training the new generation of seafarers.
Technology Development and International Cooperation
Hajipetrou emphasized the necessity of a global perspective in Europe regarding ship management. The strength of this sector derives not only from European seafarers but also from combining European maritime expertise with international talents. Additionally, special attention must be paid to technology in ship management. Technology is only valuable if it aids in improving decision-making.
For example, predictive maintenance can be a good example where its true value lies in a senior engineer's trust in alerts. Before implementing any new technology, it should be assessed whether this process improves safety, reduces workload, or enhances business performance.
Recommendations for Improving the Situation
Technology development should be conducted with the needs of seafarers in mind. Hajipetrou pointed to the establishment of practical partnerships between ship managers, maritime academies, governments, and technology companies. New skills should be developed based on real operational needs, and innovative technologies should be tested and evaluated on active ships.
Cyprus was presented as a successful example of appropriate policymaking in this area. The maritime framework of this country has long recognized ship management as an independent economic activity and has contributed to creating an ecosystem where owners, managers, maritime services, research, and technology can coexist.
Ultimately, Hajipetrou noted that the main problem in Europe is not a lack of ideas, but a lack of readiness to invest in people, technology, and management capabilities that are needed to turn these ideas into practical reality. Ship management should be regarded as a strategic maritime capability that is worth preserving.
