As we move into 2023, a LinkedIn poll run by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), shows that “becoming more sustainable” in 2023 is a priority for 37% of respondents. Implementing new technologies was in second place with some 26% of respondents selecting this choice. Of the other two options on the poll 20% selected recruiting new staff and 17% chose controlling budgets.
Sustainability and technology are also among the top of the expectations of Alastair Fischbacher, the 119th IMarEST President as he looks towards 2023. In an interview with the Institute’s Marine Professional publication, he says, “It is no surprise that sustainability and technology top the poll of priorities for 2023. Sustainability is now far more at the forefront of thinking and discussion than it has ever been and technology will be the key in helping us make progress towards a more sustainable future.”
In looking at the issue of decarbonisation, in particular, Fischbacher adds, “When it comes to decarbonisation, technology is the key to unlocking our progress. We have two options, we can either stop moving things around, or you can change the way that you do so. As the former is not possible it has to be by change, and change involving technology solutions. This area is getting a huge amount of attention now and we can expect substantial progress over the next few years.”
Speaking about the marine community’s ability to meet these challenges, Fischbacher says, “The pace of change is growing and we have to be able to not only keep up with it but be able to drive it as well. We cannot just to respond, we must help set the direction. IMarEST members have a role to play; they hold the knowledge and therefore are uniquely placed to input to improvement.”
The Institute has a variety of special interest groups (SIGs) which are focusing on the many and varied challenges associated with the marine sector’s move towards greater sustainability, these range from addressing the issues of ocean plastic and marine litter, marine fuels and emissions, decarbonisation, to offshore renewable energy, and recycling marine structures.
Fischbacher concludes, “IMarEST members are at the forefront of the process, whether they are in research, design, development, production or operations. Whatever sector we are individually in, we can often learn from each other and also from other industries and being part of the discussion, actively or passively, will help to accelerate progress.”
