Title : An assessment of sociotechnical transitioning in marine warranty survey practice amid the COVID-19 pandemic: Case of West Africa’s marine operations
Abstract:
The study proceeds to investigate and characterize the nature of the sociotechnical systems and transitions during operation in the maritime industry spared by the COVID-19 pandemic –comparing and examining cause and effect variables setting forth the relationship of complexity within the transition in the Gulf of Guinea area. The study also examines and contrasts best practices while drawing on the lessons learned. A case study approach was implemented where initial data gathering was achieved through a targeted survey. This was followed by a select interview to examine specific concerns arising from the survey outcome before a field observation was carried out.The study finds respondents highlighted the emerging need for green energy towards ecological sustenance as highly ranked among factors rapidly spearheading socio-technical transition in the maritime and offshore energy industry in West Africa. Sixty-seven (67) percent also viewed the health crisis as a positive force in the sociotechnical transition in the maritime and offshore energy industry. These findings agreed with researchers who found that during the pandemic’s lockdown and restrictions, carbon emissions across the globe were reduced by 5.4 percent. Again, eighty-seven (87) percent of respondents found the need to be physically present on the survey site critical to safe operations and success. This notwithstanding, the period saw the introduction and scaling of remote marine surveys. Finally, 81.4 percent of respondents found the use of remote technology on the marine survey site to be essential to operations success while limiting the movement of the attending surveyor on site. To them, the commercial risk for totally avoiding site attendance outweighed the covid-19 health risk implications, as insurers were unwilling to halt MWS site attendance.
Audience Takeaway Notes:
- The study expands on the concept of sociotechnical transitions and how it related to the MWS practice as well as the current health implication.
- The knowledge shared with the audience reveals and attempts to explain in detail the changes taking place in our world, and how is of the change is directly attributed to natural causes. This should help the audience appreciate the changes taking place and learn to cope.
- The outcome also adds to the available research on the issues of sustainability and the potential to explore the concept in the maritime domain.
- The conclusion of the study suggests potential solutions that are easy to implement.
