Round-up

The proposed cruise berthing facility in the Cayman Islands has sparked much debate between environmentalists and the government after it issued a policy directive in March 2013 to develop the cruise sector, as part of efforts to boost tourism opportunities.

In its current form, the project would include two piers with space for four cruise ships, including two suitable for Oasis-class vessels – ships which have a capacity for more than 6,000 passengers.

Reports show that the project could...

https://www.ship-technology.com/features/should-the-cayman-islands-new-cruise-port-facility-project-go-ahead/

Featuring a slew of speakers from the government, academia and from within the shipping industry, the Maritime Leadership Confer2019 kicked off with a keynote speech by Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani who addressed the issue of the skills gap and deemed it as the most pressing issue facing the sector.

Over the 15 and 16 October, stakeholders shared their insights on how the global shipping community must upgrade their technology and facilitate future skills in an increasingly digitalised world....

https://www.ship-technology.com/features/blockchain-automation-and-skills-key-takeaways-from-ics-maritime-leadership-2019/

Italy has been cashing in on tourism as a source of its main revenue stream for decades. However, lately overtourism caused by huge cruise ships docking in Venice has caused more damage than profits.

Italy’s transport minister Danilo Toninelli announced in June 2019 that all big cruise ships will be banned from docking in Venice’s historic centre from September 2019 in Venice after a harbour collision earlier this year. In June MSC Opera crashed into the wharf and a tourist boat along the...

https://www.ship-technology.com/features/cities-who-banned-cruise-ships/

AI and autonomy are disrupting every sector including the maritime industry. However, it’s no secret that it comes with its fair share of challenges – whether it’s the high costs involved or the infancy of the concept.

During the roundtable event, moderated by Victor Chavez, the chief executive of Thales, autonomous ships – in the commercial sector as well as naval realm – were the focus of discussion. This included ensuring safety, getting adequate talent and funding and adhering to government...

https://www.ship-technology.com/features/how-will-autonomy-shape-the-uk-shipping-industry/