This article was featured in the official IMPA publication - Supply Chain and Sustainability Magazine, Issue 5 2025
Jonas Søberg Erlandsen, maritime leader, educator and innovator, explores how technology, sustainability and soft skills are redefining the future of shipping. From driving business development at Bawat and serving on the Scanlog Shipping board to mentoring newcomers through IMPA’s Foundation Course for Maritime Procurement, he reflects on trust, adaptability and the human edge in an increasingly digital world, all themes he brings to life in his modules on negotiation and supplier relationship management, and most recently, in his student negotiation workshop at IMPA London 2025.
The evolving nature of maritime careers: insights and opportunities
"A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor."
This adage is more pertinent than ever as the maritime industry experiences profound change. Over the past few decades, the sector has transformed considerably, driven by advancements in technology and shifting global trade patterns. The result is an industry that is continuously evolving, requiring those within it to adapt and grow alongside these changes.
One of the most significant shifts has been the increasing reliance on digital solutions and automation. These technological advancements have enhanced efficiency and created new career paths within the industry. However, with progress comes new challenges and risks - such as the necessity for ongoing upskilling and the ability to adapt to emerging technologies. The 2017 cyberattack that hit Maersk is a stark example: operations at 76 port terminals were halted, 49,000 devices were disabled, and the company faced losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. This event underscores the critical need for resilience and adaptability in the face of technological disruption.
Amidst these technological and environmental shifts, the importance of soft skills has never been greater. As automation and digitalisation become more prevalent, the human element becomes essential for differentiation and trust-building.
Concurrently, the industry is becoming more environmentally conscious. The implementation of stricter regulations and a heightened focus on sustainability have led companies to invest further in sustainable technologies and practices. These changes not only benefit the environment but also open new avenues for innovation and career advancement within maritime professions.
Amidst these technological and environmental shifts, the importance of soft skills has never been greater. As automation and digitalisation become more prevalent, the human element becomes essential for differentiation and trust-building. Skills such as effective communication, empathy, and relationship-building are vital for fostering collaboration and ensuring smooth operations. These soft skills are particularly important when navigating complex negotiations, managing supplier relationships, and leading teams through change.
Driving innovation and sustainability in maritime water management
My own career journey is a testament to the evolving and dynamic nature of maritime professions. From managing port operations and providing husbandry services in West Africa, to overseeing shipbuilding projects in East and Central Africa, and leading maritime-specific anti-corruption initiatives in South Asia, I have seen firsthand how technological advances and global changes are redefining our industry. My experiences continually highlight the need for adaptability, continuous learning, and the soft skills that are now indispensable for success.
Today, I bring these experiences to my role in Business Development at Bawat, a Danish cleantech company at the forefront of sustainable ballast water management solutions. This position exemplifies how modern maritime roles bridge compliance, innovation, and sustainability - responding to the era of digital transformation and environmental stewardship.
At Bawat, we are pioneering technologies and business models that directly address the increasing regulatory and environmental demands faced by maritime stakeholders. This work echoes the industry's shift toward sustainability and highlights the importance of seizing new opportunities as they arise.
Ballast water, historically a vector for invasive aquatic species, is now tightly regulated under the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention. Ensuring compliance with international discharge standards is not only a regulatory requirement but also a critical responsibility for protecting marine ecosystems - reflecting the broader environmental consciousness that is reshaping maritime careers.
Achieving compliance is complex and demands more than just technical solutions. Strategic thinking and negotiation skills are essential, especially for procurement professionals. At Bawat, our approach combines technological innovation with service flexibility. We utilise waste heat from vessels' engines to offer a chemical-free, one-pass treatment for ballast water, effectively eliminating invasive species while reducing operational complexity and environmental impact. Our Ballast as a Service (BaaS™) model - offering a flexible, pay-per-use solution - enables shipowners to maintain compliance even when onboard systems fail. Rapidly deployable mobile treatment units ensure vessels meet the D-2 standard, reinforcing operational resilience.
This integrated approach reflects a broader lesson: in today's maritime sector, sustainability and compliance are not merely regulatory hurdles or cost centres. Instead, they present opportunities for innovation, value creation, and the long-term resilience of maritime businesses and our oceans we so depend on.
Today’s maritime careers are more dynamic and multifaceted than ever, no longer defined solely by tradition. The industry now leads in technological innovation and environmental stewardship, offering a landscape rich
with opportunity for those prepared to adapt and excel.
IMPA's Education Programmes provide valuable resources and training to help maritime professionals develop the skills needed to thrive. Participation in these programmes equips individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the industry’s complexities and advance their careers.
Imagine working in a sector where digital transformation opens doors to exciting roles, and each wave of change brings new challenges and opportunities for growth. Whether it’s mastering automation, driving sustainability, or building global relationships, today’s maritime professionals are actively shaping the future in innovative ways.
In this era of rapid transformation, the industry calls to those who are curious, resilient, and eager to learn - not only about technology, but also about the enduring value of human connection. For those passionate about innovation, problem-solving, and making a tangible impact, the maritime industry offers a truly unique career journey.
Procurement stands out as one of the most influential levers in the sector. The choices made in procurement offices shape supply chains, direct the adoption of new technologies, and determine the progress of sustainability initiatives. Each supplier contract is more than a transaction; it reflects the buyer’s priorities and sets the standard for the relationship.
Procurement professionals are therefore uniquely positioned to drive the industry’s transition toward sustainable practices. By negotiating beyond price and factoring in compliance, resilience, and environmental performance, they can secure long-term value for their organisations while supporting global sustainability objectives.
Join me and other seasoned maritime professionals in IMPA’s Education Programmes, available online on demand. Our aim is to empower procurement professionals to see themselves not just as cost controllers, but as agents of change within one of the world’s most vital industries.
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