EMPOWERING MARITIME PROFESSIONALS THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY TRAINING: ADDRESSING KNOWLEDGE GAPS AND INDUSTRY READINESS

Abstract

The maritime industry is undergoing a transformative shift toward sustainability, requiring professionals to develop new competencies in green technology, emissions reduction, and regulatory compliance. However, training programs often fail to bridge the gap between theoretical sustainability education and its practical implementation in port and shipping operations. This research investigates the training and development needs of maritime professionals, lecturers, and graduates, identifying barriers to sustainability training, knowledge gaps, and industry readiness for sustainable practices. This study builds upon previous research by providing a structured analysis of sustainability education in the maritime sector, assessing the effectiveness of existing training programs and identifying gaps in institutional support. The study examines how well sustainability training prepares maritime professionals to integrate sustainability initiatives into real-world decision-making and explores strategies for enhancing workforce preparedness. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and qualitative analysis were conducted, involving structured interviews and questionnaires with nine stakeholders, including maritime professionals, educators, and recent graduates. Findings indicate that while sustainability training is gaining traction, industry-academic collaboration, practical learning opportunities, and institutional backing remain insufficient. This research contributes to the development of an industry-aligned sustainability training framework, offering policy recommendations for enhancing professional development in maritime sustainability. Expanding experiential learning, digital training tools, and mentorship programs will ensure maritime professionals are prepared to lead sustainable transitions in the shipping and port industries.