Innovation vs. Tradition: How the Maritime Industry balances automation and technology without losing Its essence

• Development of new automation technologies: Projects focused on creating systems that complement traditional skills may qualify for tax relief.
• Funding for training and digital skill preservation: Investments in virtual reality training programmes and digital repositories of traditional knowledge can be partly recovered through R&D tax relief.
• Research and prototyping of materials: Costs associated with developing materials aligned with traditional standards can be offset with R&D tax incentives.
• Sustainable industrial practices: Maintaining quality and safety standards without compromising the sector's historical excellence.
• Workforce development: Ensuring that new workers acquire traditional methods through modern training tools.

Traditional skills, such as craft boatbuilding, marine component manufacturing, and manual navigation, are disappearing due to several factors:

• Technological advancements: The adoption of CAD design, automated manufacturing, and digital navigation has reduced the reliance on manual processes.
• Lack of generational continuity: Younger generations show less interest in traditional trades, leading to a shortage of skilled workers.
• Economic pressures: Companies are increasingly adopting cost-effective and scalable technological solutions rather than labour-intensive manual methods.
• Shifts in demand: Globalisation and international competition have prioritised efficiency and cost reduction over more labour-intensive traditional methods.

These changes highlight the importance of R&D in modernising the sector without compromising its high standards of quality and efficiency.

Positive impacts:

• Efficiency & cost reduction: Automated systems minimise human error, improve precision, and reduce operational costs.
• Enhanced safety: Robotics and remote monitoring reduce workplace risks for maritime workers.
• Environmental benefits: Advanced propulsion technologies (e.g., hydrogen fuel, LNG, and electric systems) lower emissions.
• Increased productivity & scalability: Automation speeds up production and improves turnaround times at smart ports. 

Negative impacts:

• Job losses & social displacement: Many traditional maritime workers lack the digital skills to transition into tech-based roles.
• Loss of heritage & skills: Automation threatens to make traditional craftsmanship in shipbuilding, fishing, and navigation obsolete.
• High initial investment: Implementing new technologies requires substantial capital, making it challenging for smaller companies.
• Impact on SMEs: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may struggle to compete with highly automated large corporations.

For the maritime industry to move forward in a sustainable and balanced way, investing in R&D is key, not to replace tradition, but to build on it with smarter, more efficient technology.

As highlighted in a recent Nautilus International survey, most professionals see automation as inevitable, but many worry about losing the human touch. There’s a clear message: technology should make jobs easier, not take them away.

This is where R&D tax relief can really make a difference, helping companies innovate while still protecting the skills and knowledge that define the industry. The real challenge isn’t avoiding automation, but making sure it works hand in hand with human expertise.