Connectivity is transforming maritime – from isolated vessels to integrated digital ecosystems.
Maritime operations are undergoing a fundamental shift. Once operated as remote islands vessels are now becoming extensions of onshore operations – driven by rising demands for efficiency, safety, and real-time coordination. In this HANSA.newscast episode, Audra Drabløs, Strategy Director at Inmarsat Maritime, outlines how digital infrastructure is reshaping maritime work.
With a background that spans actuarial science and maritime technology, Drabløs brings a strategic perspective on how connectivity intersects with operational change. Today’s ships must function as both workplaces and data hubs—supporting not just crew welfare, but integrated planning systems, remote diagnostics, and cloud-based tools.
This transformation relies on secure and scalable networks. Solutions like Inmarsat’s Nexus Wave, which embeds cybersecurity at the infrastructure level, reflect a broader shift toward treating vessels as digital environments—not isolated assets.
Looking ahead, Drabløs sees untapped potential in AI and data analytics. Maritime has been slow to adopt such tools, but they offer clear gains in predictive maintenance, fuel efficiency, and decision support. As more functions move onshore, she also anticipates greater diversity in the maritime workforce—with new roles emerging around remote operations and data management.
The broader impact reaches beyond technology. As vessels become remotely managed and more functions shift onshore, the maritime industry opens to a wider and more diverse talent pool. This includes new roles better suited to hybrid or land-based work, potentially reshaping both workforce composition and career development in shipping.
For a complementary perspective, listen to our earlier conversation with Gert-Jan Panken, Inmarsat’s Vice President Sales, where one focus was on macro-level infrastructure challenges. That episode explored:
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The launch of NexusWave as a transformative step in maritime communications
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How Inmarsat addresses vessel-wide cybersecurity threats
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The growing importance of crew welfare in digital strategy
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The evolution of connectivity from cost center to business enabler
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The role of sustainable satellite networks in a crowded orbital environment
#44 inmarsat – How can vessels stay connected everywhere at sea? Interview with Gert-Jan Panken
