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The increasing adoption of smart computer and robotic technologies at work has, in addition to displacing workers, significantly disrupted the traditional organisation of work and the workforce skills required. Based on a qualitative social science study, this paper discusses the ways in which these changes have affected container terminals. Specifically, we examine the transformation in the nature and content of work and the types of skills required by the workforce for the enduring and emerging jobs. We conclude that a completely different port terminal worker has emerged with a different job role and skills profile. Unlike the traditional 'wharfie' the emerging terminal worker is well educated and highly skilled. Furthermore, as physical shop floor operations are computerised and automated, greater importance is placed on soft, generic and transferable skills, with increasing emphasis on computer skills to facilitate effective work within a highly mechanised and digitalised work environment.

This paper examines the likely impact of extreme weather events and rising sea levels on key port logistics operations and infrastructure. It develops a 3D model to assess the vulnerability of seaports vis-à-vis operational assets to sea-level rise. Key operational assets were first identified and geo-referenced on a high-resolution digital terrain model. In addition, perceptions of threat of extreme weather events on port operations were also evaluated. The spatial model provides an innovative, flexible and visual representation of sea-level rise under different climate scenarios with the capability of mapping vulnerability of port assets relative to their location. The visual outputs provide the capacity to develop evidence-based adaptation strategies to adjust or retreat to respond to the risk of sea-level rise and related flooding. It is recommended that new infrastructure development should revisit design standards, specifications and procurement of assets that are more resilient and climate proof.

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The shipping industry worldwide is experiencing a shortage of trained and qualified officers to operate a rapidly expanding global merchant fleet. High cadet wastage in Maritime Education and Training (MET) institutions is an obstacle to skills replenishment in the UK. This paper examines the specificity of MET programmes with regard to the question of attrition and explores the intricate ways in which globalisation in the industry and the seafaring sector has influenced declining training opportunities and rising attrition rates in the UK.