Mr. Stratos Karounias, General Manager of C&A STAVROS KASSIDIARIS S.A., discusses the importance of maritime automation and the need to establish the new specialty of maritime automation technician in an interview given to the program “Industry Hour” on the TpressWEBTV online channel.

“A ship is more than just a large and complex factory. It consists of dozens of automated systems, such as power generation and management, navigation and steering systems, engine control, cargo stabilization, safety systems, emissions control systems, and more. All of these must operate flawlessly to ensure the smooth functioning of the vessel. With the maritime industry adapting to new technologies and implementing advanced systems, it is now possible to predict potential malfunctions, something especially important, as it can prevent damage and delays that would otherwise come at a significant financial cost,” emphasizes Mr. Stratos Karounias.

Autonomous ships are indeed the next major milestone for the maritime industry. However, in order for this vision to become a reality, significant progress must be made in designing highly reliable systems—a transition that could take up to 20 years of continuous research and development.
“A modern or autonomous vessel also requires the introduction of new specialized roles, such as that of the maritime automation technician, which is essential for ensuring optimal operation,” added Mr. Karounias.
“We congratulate the Public IEK of Aigaleo for taking the initiative to introduce this new specialty, and we remain strong supporters of the effort to train the next generation of maritime automation experts.”