The shipbuilding industry is awesome. Marcin Ryngwelski on maritime IT. Do IT specialists also work in shipyards?
One of the most sought-after professionals in the world remains those from the IT sector. The term "IT specialist" encompasses specific roles such as programmer, developer, system architect, tester, network administrator, as well as those responsible for maintaining hardware and servers. People working in these professions are highly educated, enjoy high salaries, and in the era of a growing industry, the demand for these roles continues to be significant, writes Marcin Ryngwelski, CEO of PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, on LinkedIn.
business maritime economy work at mare shipbuilding industry equipment and technology news29 january 2025 | 07:07 | Source: PGZ Stocznia Wojenna / Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print
fot. Marcin Ryngwelski / PGZ Stocznia Wojenna
- Unfortunately, shipyards are mostly associated with welders, fitters, and painters, but few people know that almost every large shipyard in the world has a thriving IT department - said the President of PGZ Naval Shipyard.
A large shipyard, especially one that builds warships, includes a design office, finance, accounting, HR, production division, procurement and cooperation division, planning departments, classified information division, shipyard security division, production development division, and some even have their own electronics and armament departments.
All these divisions and departments rely on countless pieces of IT equipment, which not only need to be maintained but also modernized. Additionally, a shipyard comprises hundreds of kilometers of network cables and numerous servers that host the entire ERP system (Enterprise Resource Planning) as well as internal and external email systems. Furthermore, there are backup servers to store data in case of a failure. A shipyard also has a website that needs to be designed, maintained, and updated regularly. - explained Marcin Ryngwelski.
- A shipyard is also, or perhaps above all, a Strategic Facility for National Security, which is why a significant emphasis is placed on cybersecurity, internal monitoring, and access control systems to ensure that unauthorized individuals do not approach areas such as the shipbuilding site or the electronics and armament departments - added the president of PGZ Naval Shipyard.
- IT specialists are essential for all of this - commented Marcin Ryngwelski. - The person managing the entire IT division is typically a director or an IT representative on the board, having graduated in ETI or Computer Science from one of the top universities, and is a high-level expert in their field.
In shipyards with an Electronics and Armament Department, specialists handle the entire system architecture as well as the implementation and integration of each device on a warship into a single system, covering communication, navigation, monitoring, or combat operations.
- In this area, the shipyard is greatly supported by OBR CTM S.A., the Research and Development Center for Maritime Technology - noted Marcin Ryngwelski. - The collaboration between IT specialists from both companies brings the desired results and meets the objectives set by the Ministry of National Defense in the ZTT program.
- Does the shipyard need young, educated IT specialists in the future? Absolutely. Without them, the shipyard would not exist. They are just as critical to the facility’s operation as other professionals - concluded Marcin Ryngwelski.
IT specialists on board. The future of shipyards in the hands of young IT experts
The shipbuilding industry, traditionally associated with heavy machinery and monumental constructions, is undergoing dynamic changes. In the digital era, technical efficiency and traditional engineering are no longer enough. What seemed to belong to other industries a few years ago is now entering shipyards – digitization, automation, and modern IT technologies are reshaping this sector. One thing is clear: young, educated IT specialists represent the future of shipyards.
The shipyard of tomorrow. Digital technologies at the forefront
A modern shipyard is much more than a place for the physical construction of ships. It is also a complex system of production and logistics increasingly based on advanced IT tools. Automation of production lines, data management, and digital simulations are becoming the standard. IT specialists capable of implementing these technologies play a key role in modernizing the maritime industry.
One of the critical elements of the technological revolution in shipyards is the concept of digital twins – virtual ship models that allow different scenarios to be tested before actual construction begins. This approach saves time and resources by eliminating potential errors during the design phase.
Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analysis are also optimizing the entire construction process, from material procurement to final testing. Production management systems can monitor work progress in real time, predict potential problems, and identify areas where improvements can be made.
IT specialists and the future of the maritime industry
The demand for young IT specialists in shipyards does not stem from a mere trend toward digitization. It is a necessity if the industry is to meet the challenges of the future. Modern technologies not only accelerate production and reduce costs but also improve safety and enable compliance with increasingly strict environmental regulations.
The fresh perspective brought by young professionals is equally valuable. Their familiarity with modern tools and flexibility enables innovations that were difficult to imagine just a few years ago.
Shipyards that invest in young IT specialists not only enhance their competitiveness but also unlock entirely new opportunities, such as implementing Internet of Things (IoT) solutions or designing more advanced navigation systems for the ships they build.
Why invest in IT departments in the shipbuilding industry?
Today’s shipyards operate in a highly competitive global market. To meet growing demands, it is essential to adopt the latest technological solutions that can reduce costs, shorten project timelines, and adapt to changing regulations.
IT specialists, raised in a digital world, are well-versed in the tools needed to achieve these goals. Their skills are an investment that pays off not only in terms of efficiency but also in positioning shipyards as modern and innovative partners in the marketplace.
There is no doubt that young IT experts are the future of the shipbuilding industry. Without their knowledge and skills, the continued development of this sector would be hard to imagine. Automation, digitization, and innovative approaches to production management are the pillars of the modern shipyard. By investing in IT specialists, shipyards will not only rise to the challenges of technological transformation but also open new avenues for growth, ensuring a strong position in the global market.
Kamil Kusier
redaktor naczelny
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