Georgian Maritime Scientific Journal

Building a Sustainable Future of the Maritime Industry

Tetyana Stovba — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400

Maritime transport accounts for over 80% of global cargo shipments and offers numerous advantages. The main challenges facing maritime transport worldwide include increased operational costs of vessels, reduced emissions of pollutants from ships into the environment, and a significant number of maritime accidents and disasters due to improper or untimely actions by crews or shore services.
The research aims to formulate measures for building a sustainable future for the maritime industry in the context of sustainable development in a BANI world.
The methodological basis of the research included a systemic approach, engineering paradigm methods of analysis and synthesis, longitudinal analysis, selective surveys.
To build a sustainable future for the maritime industry in the context of sustainable development, it is not enough to modernize or implement innovations in the maritime sector alone, separate from other participants in the cargo transportation process from sender to receiver. The future of the maritime industry depends on all participants in the cargo transportation process, their strategic partnerships, which, when combined, can generate a synergy effect.
It is proposed to systematically introduce innovations throughout the value creation chain, which should be aimed at the dynamic balanced development of production, mining, processing enterprises providing finished products or valuable minerals for transportation, maritime education institutions, shipbuilding, machinery and equipment manufacturing, IT sphere, ship repair, suppliers of ship fuel, lubricants, spare parts, food, water, other transport companies, seaports, shipping companies, trade service organizations, market infrastructure, based on comprehensive analysis and forecasting of demand and consumer behavior.
Systematized directions of innovative development for the main links in the value chain - maritime transport, maritime education institutions, and seaports.
The research results confirmed the hypothesis regarding the use of the value creation chain, which will allow taking into account the needs and expectations of consumers in shaping the competitive advantages of maritime transport, reducing emissions of harmful substances from ships, reducing transportation costs, and increasing the income of maritime industry organizations.
The formulated proposals are recommended to be applied by maritime industry businesses to reduce the environmental impact on the environment, optimize costs, and improve the quality of transportation services for consumers.

Reviewing consequences of emergency transition to distance learning in efl classroom (ase Study of Foreign Languages Department of Batumi State Maritime Academy)

Tamari Dolidze, Natia Vasadze, Medea Abashidze — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400

We are all aware that COVID19 has drastically altered our lives and lifestyles, which caused an emergency transition in all the fields including Higher Education worldwide. The learning process has been swiftly shifted into distance learning mode without any prior preparation and expectation of the educational staff (teaching and administrative) of the institutions as well as the students. This unprecedented transition necessitated incorporating soft skills and diverse e-platforms in the learning process, selecting between the most effective form among online (synchronous) and hybrid modes of distance learning in the EFL classroom. Moreover, HEIs were forced to encourage and mobilize educational staff without direct practical experience in order to ensure on-click transition to ‘New Normal’, prioritizing students’ safety, resilience and mental health.
Therefore, the presented paper aims at highlighting the outcomes of emergency transition to remote learning in EFL Classroom on the basis of a case study conducted by Foreign Languages Department of BSMA. With this purpose a quantitative survey was carried out through questioning the opinions of EFL students (both Bachelor and Master level) from the faculties of Navigation, Engineering and Business and Management of BSMA. The results of the case study were analyzed, processed and summarized in the form of generalized conclusion, on the basis of which practical recommendations were drawn for more effective planning and implementation of the EFL learning process during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Interactive module "Environment protection" of Maritime English course on LMS Moodle for future ship engineers

Olena Kononova, Olena Diahyleva, Alona Yurzhenko — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400

As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the imperative to prioritize environmental protection and sustainability becomes increasingly evident. Future ship engineers play a pivotal role in ensuring the maritime sector's compliance with stringent environmental regulations and the reduction of its ecological footprint. This scientific article presents an innovative interactive module designed to educate and engage future ship engineers in the vital area of environmental protection within the context of a Maritime English course. The module integrates cutting-edge pedagogical techniques, multimedia resources, and collaborative learning activities. The module's content is structured to cover crucial topics such as international environmental regulations, emissions control, ballast water management, and sustainable maritime practices. It fosters a comprehensive understanding of environmental challenges facing the maritime industry and equips future ship engineers with the knowledge and skills necessary to address them effectively. The interactive nature of the module encourages active cadet participation through quizzes, case studies, discussions, and games. Additionally, it provides real-time feedback and assessment tools for teachers to gauge cadets' progress and comprehension. By utilizing Moodle's collaborative features, cadets can work together on group projects and exchange ideas with his groupmates. The results of this research demonstrate the module's effectiveness in enhancing cadets' environmental awareness, knowledge, and their ability to apply sustainable practices in their future careers as ship engineers. Furthermore, it highlights the potential for scalability and adaptation of this module to other educational contexts, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious maritime industry.

Stress and coping strategies in seafarers

Mariam Nanadze — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400

The research presented in the article aims to investigate the main mechanisms of seafarers’ stress and coping with stress.
The research was conducted in several directions. The first one was aimed at testing the hypothesis: seafarers’ stress is manifested both in the form of deterioration of physical condition and mental symptoms also seafarers' stress levels vary according to the coping mechanisms they use. On the other hand, it is interesting which stress coping mechanisms are mostly used by sailors.
The study used the stress level questionnaire by L. Lemur, R. Tessier and Fillion, A stress coping strategies questionnaire (The Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS-21), and author-written questions were used to collect demographic data. 30 sailors participated in the research. A Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data processing.

Problems of Recycling and Utilization of Household and Industrial Waste in the Coastline of Batumi

Madona Loria, Maia Tughushi — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400

Development of the infrastructure of the Black Sea coastal zone is one of the priority directions of Georgia. In order to increase the potential of the tourism sector, it is important to improve the ecological conditions of the Black Sea and the coastline. Despite the national environmental protection programme and the current Law on Waste Management, the problem of waste management is still relevant and noteworthy. The seaport and the terminal operating in Batumi strictly protect the requirements foreseen by the "International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), 1973.“ Moreover, the Order "Rules for Monitoring the Movement of Ships in the Territorial Sea and Harbor Waters of Georgia and the Functioning of the Information System" has been in force since 2016. The purpose of this rule is to ensure the protection of human life, safety of navigation and protection of the marine environment by using the Vessel Traffic Monitoring System in the territorial sea and access corridors to the ports; detection of potential pollution of the marine environment from ships and their prevention. But despite the mentioned regulatory actions, there is a big problem in terms of waste recycling and utilization.
The article discusses the issues that make obstacles for ensuring the compliance with environmental protection norms within the city of Batumi and its surrounding area. The authors, taking into account the international experience of obtaining biogas from waste, propose the possibility of obtaining energy from the waste of the Batumi landfill for the purpose of waste recycling and utilization.

Green cruising: eco-friendly technologies on cruise ships

Karina Melikjanyan — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400

Cruise lines are believed to be the world’s t worst polluters. Even though cruise ships represent only 1% of the global fleet, they have quite a big rate of black carbon emission according to the European Maritime Transport Report 2021. Besides CO2 emissions there are lots of other pollutants like sewage water, gray water, oily bilge water, hazardous and bio-wastes that impact the environment heavily. To overcome the challenge and improve passengers’ perception of the sector, the industry shifts the spotlight to responsible tourism and extensively invests in green technologies. The industry promises net zero carbon neutral cruising by 2050. However, some industry experts and NGOs still sound the alarm regarding not sufficient measures and activities to be taken to ensure eco-friendly tourism.
The paper aims at analyzing the progress made by cruise society regarding responsible tourism, namely the effectiveness of green technologies on cruise ships to assess the sufficiency of the current activities. The results of the research provide useful information on tracking the results of the implementation of the intended goals and benchmarking of cruising sustainable development.

The Practice of Distance Technology Application in the Training Future Maritime Specialists

Iryna Smyrnova, Valentyn Chymshyr, Andrii Kononenko — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400

In the article, the authors describe the features of the implementation of distance learning under current conditions in Ukraine for future specialists in the maritime industry. The authors analyze the benefits associated with the implementation of distance learning methods in the maritime industry, and also recommend the use of various innovative technologies, such as virtual reality, video conferencing models and online courses, which can improve the quality of education and training of future professionals. The scientific research analysis in the context of the specified problem has been carried out, and the trend of developing distance education as an element of sustainable development of maritime education has changed. The relevance of this article lies in the increasing need to modernize the educational process in the maritime transport, and the usage of remote technologies is becoming more and more widespread, especially in the current conditions in Ukraine: the war started by the Russian Federation in February 2022, the rapid development of the Internet and the communication technology. The maritime industry requires highly qualified professionals who have in-depth knowledge and skills in various aspects of this industry. The authors also note that lecturers' digital skills are the key ones in the success of distance learning for future maritime professionals, as they help to ensure quality teaching and effective communication between teachers and students, regardless of physical distance. The advent of distance technology allows providing educational applicants with wider access to educational materials, communication with experts and opportunity to acquire knowledge in real time. In the article, the authors give recommendations for lecturers, pedagogues, scientific and pedagogical staff, that can be useful in the process of distance learning.

The Prospects of 4IR Development in the Tourism Sector of Ajara

Guladi Tkhilaishvili, Irakli Tavberidze, Roman Mamuladze — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400

In the article we discus about The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), which is expected to drive rapid economic development, with AI replacing labour and new professions emerging in Ajara. Georgia, a country with limited global economic growth trends, should try to identify primary development directions and create business incubator spaces for effective model functioning in the tourism sector, particularly in Adjara. Adjara, a popular tourist destination, can capitalize on this trend by implementing 4IR technologies. AI can provide personalized travel suggestions, automate customer care, and identify scams. Big data analytics can analyse tourist movements, find new market opportunities, and create successful marketing efforts. Bots can provide tourist information and services, and IoT can develop smart tourism destinations with features like real-time traffic information and smart parking. In this term, we think that the collaboration between public and commercial sectors, forward-thinking policies, and significant human resource expenditures are essential for achieving the full potential of 4IR in Adjara's tourism sector. The article aims to evaluate the potential impact of 4IR technologies on the Adjara tourism industry, identify opportunities and challenges, and provide recommendations for sustainable growth.

Contribution of women to the marine industry and marine engineering education in Georgia

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0400

Women were rarely employed in the navy. Until 1970, women were not allowed to be admitted to most naval schools. The share of women in the upper echelons of cruise ship service staff was only 5.4%, and in the entire maritime industry, it was 18–20%. [1] Currently, the situation is changing, but there is no talk of gender balance in the military-navy fleet. This article discusses the issues of women's employment in the navy and educational institutions and the dynamics of changing the gender balance through the example of one of the higher naval institutions, the Batumi StateMaritimeAcademy.