Study on Remote Control in Inland Shipping: contribution of remote operations to addressing the labour shortage
Panteia has completed the Study on Remote Control in Inland Shipping, commissioned by Seafar. This report examines the extent to which the deployment of remote operations centres (ROCs) can contribute to alleviating the labour shortage and supporting further growth in inland shipping in The Netherlands.
The study shows that the shortage of skippers and mates could rise to approximately 1,500 to 2,000 positions by 2035, partly as a result of an ageing workforce, limited inflow of new personnel, and increasing transport demand. Without additional measures, this may affect the available sailing capacity.
Based on a task analysis, it has been estimated that, with the deployment of an ROC, an efficiency improvement (optimisation of time allocation) of approximately 35–45% may be achievable in day-time operations and approximately 25–35% in 24-hour operations. These ranges have been used in the report to calculate the potential reduction in personnel costs. The analysis assumes a scenario in which amended regulations are in force, whereby the ROC operator is regarded as a fully-fledged alternative to an on-board skipper or mate for navigation tasks. Under those assumptions, widespread deployment of ROCs could indicatively generate an efficiency benefit of approximately €77 to €104 million per year for the Dutch inland shipping sector. This could potentially mitigate around half of the projected shortage up to 2035.
The effects outlined are indicative and depend, among other things, on regulations, safety frameworks and organisational arrangements. The study is based on a literature review, data analysis and interviews with sector stakeholders.
The full report (in Dutch) can be downloaded here.
