ABS proudly participated in the inaugural Seatrade Maritime Qatar, held on February 4-5, 2025. This event brought together industry leaders and innovators, fostering discussions on the future of maritime operations.

Gareth Burton, ABS Senior Vice President of Global Engineering, participated in a panel discussion titled “The Digital Maritime Industry – Is It Here, Near and Secure?” He highlighted the significant strides being made in the maritime industry’s digital transformation, emphasizing the use of predictive analytics and digital twins to enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime. Burton noted that while substantial progress has been achieved, there are still opportunities for improvement as the industry embraces advanced technologies to bolster safety and competitiveness.

The industry is indeed experiencing substantial transformation. Burton noted that the rapid advancement of emerging technologies such as IoT, blockchain, AI, and automation is reshaping maritime operations. Increased connectivity has become an operational imperative, allowing vessels to track performance in real-time and enabling seafarers to maintain personal connections while at sea.

Addressing the growing reliance on digital technologies, Burton acknowledged the industry’s heightened awareness of cybersecurity risks. Regulatory advancements, such as the International Maritime Organization’s incorporation of Cyber Risk Management into Safety Management Systems, underscore the importance of addressing cyber threats as part of overall safety procedures. However, challenges persist, particularly concerning legacy systems and the need for ongoing training of personnel to manage new digital capabilities.

Jennifer Harrison, ABS Vice President of Talent Solutions, also contributed to the event, participating in a panel discussion on “Building a Local Talent Pool.” This session focused on Qatar’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to develop a multi-sector talent pool to unlock human potential and economic opportunities. The panel explored the challenges and opportunities in attracting local talent to the maritime and offshore industries and discussed strategies for future-proofing the talent pipeline.

Erkan Erkul, ABS Manager, Qatar Business Development, spoke with Seatrade Maritime News, offering insights into ABS’s commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability goals of the maritime industry in Qatar. “Our ongoing efforts are centered on promoting innovation and collaboration within the region, ensuring a sustainable future for the maritime sector,” Erkul stated.