5 minute read
Human Capital - Career Trends
EXPERT PANEL
Andre Merlino, Global Senior Executive, and Energy Expert
SHIPBUILDING
Do you see a shortage of professionals in your industry, and if so how high-skilled workforce contributes to your industry growth?
Currently, the shipping industry faces many different challenges and opportunities. In the industry I specialize in, Offshore Energy, the global demand for shipbuilding has declined in recent years influenced by the drop in global oil demand and reduced CAPEX in this sector. On the other hand, the renewables sector has grown massively, which has required the entire value chain, including shipyards, to adopt their plans and capabilities to meet the new demands of the industry.
As might be expected, this move had a major impact on the type of workforce needed and the appeal that the industry has to the new generation of workers.
Among other things, new technologies are improving vessel automation and consequently reducing the size of crew per vessel. In the long run, of course, this reduces the demand for Marines and other crew members, and also requires higher-skilled workers.
During the construction phase, the industry still needs thousands of welders, fitters, mechanics, and engineers. However, the recent crisis in the sector has created a difficult situation for companies, where workers have had to look for other options in other industries and now that sector is showing some recovery, the biggest challenge for companies is to attract new resources or convince old ones to return to the naval industry.
Can you share your perspectives and insights on the years to come in terms of Human Capital?
With the global economic recovery following such difficult times during the pandemic, it is reasonable to expect growth in demand for the shipbuilding and repair sector. It will be mainly driven by the offshore renewable industry, defense sector, and cargo transport, not specifically in that order.
Therefore, the next few years will likely mean opportunities for anyone who wants to work in this sector. Whether working for shipbuilding and ship repair yards or for fabrication and other off-site facilities that provide parts or services for shipbuilding activities.
Therefore, on the human capital side, the entire industry must be focused on workforce development, especially to fill the skills to meet the new requirements. Qualification is the name of the game, despite it being a new role like IoT developers or a traditional role like a welder.
In both cases, standards have been raised and, from the workers' point of view, it should be important to be ahead of the game.
Which advice would you give to professionals willing to be leaders in this industry?
This is a very interesting question. While I see some specifics of the shipping and repairing industry, I think good advice for anyone looking to become a leader in this industry should be based on how I see the characteristics of successful leaders in general.
To that end, I'd like to share some insights focused on key competencies for people to succeed.
Leading with vision and purpose is critical to inspiring and engaging people. And this is critical for industries that are constantly experiencing ups and downs like ours.
A strategic mindset is to set a clear direction without losing focus on the short and mediumterm. As a leader, it's critical to constantly ask yourself if we're heading in the right direction.
Innovation is the competence that will keep any company ahead of the game. There are plenty of examples to show how companies just disappeared because they didn't look around and underestimate what the competition was doing.
Global Executive with 26 years of experience delivering sustainable results across different regions and industries, including government and private sectors. Currently working as a board advisor, angel investor, and executive in the renewable and conventional energy sector. The last 16 years were dedicated to the Energy industry, with extensive experience in the service, equipment, and shipbuilding sectors.
Former Offshore Executive Director and member of the Royal IHC Executive Committee. Former CEO of Sapura Brasil, a leading provider of subsea services. Several other C-level positions at companies such as Seadrill, San Antonio International and Rio de Janeiro City Hall.
