What are the key skills and competencies that container shipping professionals need to succeed in the future?

1 Business acumen

One of the essential skills for container shipping professionals is business acumen, which means the ability to understand and analyze the market trends, the customer needs, the competitive landscape, and the financial performance of the business. Business acumen enables professionals to make informed and strategic decisions, to identify and seize opportunities, to mitigate risks, and to create value for the stakeholders. Business acumen also involves having a global perspective, a customer-centric mindset, and a collaborative attitude.

2 Digital literacy

Another key skill for container shipping professionals is digital literacy, which means the ability to use and leverage the digital tools and platforms that are transforming the industry. Digital literacy includes not only the technical skills to operate and manage the systems and applications, but also the cognitive and social skills to communicate, learn, and innovate in the digital environment. Digital literacy enables professionals to improve efficiency, quality, and transparency, to enhance customer experience and satisfaction, and to foster innovation and creativity.

3 Sustainability awareness

A third key skill for container shipping professionals is sustainability awareness, which means the ability to understand and address the environmental, social, and governance issues that affect the industry and the society. Sustainability awareness includes not only the compliance with the regulations and standards, but also the commitment to the principles and practices of corporate social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and ethical conduct. Sustainability awareness enables professionals to reduce the environmental impact, to increase the social impact, and to build trust and reputation.

4 Resilience and adaptability

A fourth key skill for container shipping professionals is resilience and adaptability, which means the ability to cope with and overcome the challenges and changes that occur in the industry and the world. Resilience and adaptability include not only the emotional and psychological skills to manage stress, uncertainty, and ambiguity, but also the behavioral and organizational skills to respond, recover, and renew in the face of disruption and crisis. Resilience and adaptability enable professionals to maintain performance, health, and well-being, to embrace change and learning, and to seize opportunities and growth.

5 Leadership and teamwork

A fifth key skill for container shipping professionals is leadership and teamwork, which means the ability to inspire and influence others, to collaborate and coordinate with diverse and distributed teams, and to foster a culture of excellence and innovation. Leadership and teamwork include not only the interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships, trust, and engagement, but also the strategic and visionary skills to set goals, align resources, and drive results. Leadership and teamwork enable professionals to achieve collective outcomes, to leverage collective intelligence, and to create collective impact.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?