Crew Shortages & Retention: Why Ferry Operators Must Embrace Digitalization Now
Crew shortages, administrative overload, disengaged seafarers—sound familiar? With rising competition for skilled maritime talent, ferry operators must rethink how they manage and retain their crew. Digitalization isn’t just a convenience anymore—it’s a competitive advantage.
Industry reports keep warning that seafarer shortages could worsen over the next decade. With digital-native crew members joining the workforce, expectations have shifted. Seafarers now demand seamless digital access to their work essentials—just like they do in their personal lives.
That’s where the Seafarer Mobile App by MariApps comes in. This one-stop digital platform empowers ferry operators and crew with:
Instant access to appraisals, payslips, training, and upcoming assignments.
Alerts for expiring certifications and pre-joining documents—ensuring smooth onboarding.
A direct communication channel with crewing officers, cutting back-and-forth admin work.
Engagement beyond contract periods, with company updates, open positions, and training offers.
“Seafarers expect the same seamless digital experience at work as they do in their daily lives. Having everything in one place simplifies their jobs—and we see companies using the app to strengthen crew engagement and streamline operations,” says Stefan Kruellmann, Senior Business Development Manager at MariApps.
For the ferry industry, MariApps’ flagship solution, ferryPAL, extends digitalization beyond crew management—enhancing overall operations with smart, integrated tools.
Get a demo or explore more at MariApps.com/ferryPAL.
Photo Caption: The Seafarer App by MariApps
Photo Credit: MariApps Marine Solutions
Webpage: https://www.mariapps.com/ferrypal/
