Outdated Ships and Their Future During (Non) Pandemic Times

Abstract

Starting from the reality of our times, namely that the maritime and river transports are the cheapest, but also the most long-lasting ones regarding the current types of transport, this paper aims at new perspectives regarding the future of the use of both civil and military ships. Along with other objects and processes, ships must learn to adapt to a rapid changing world. The following issues will be considered: (1) Creating a picture of the future, as plausible as possible, taking into consideration even the pandemic times. (2) The way in which shipping will be positioned in the future. The role shipbuilding may play on the scale of the large global players, taking into account the demographic and economic charts (population growth and life expectancy, involvement in the workplace etc.). (3) What will happen to the old military ships in the event of demilitarization? (4) What would the floating homes and communities of the future look like? In conclusion, reconversion of old (military) ships in civilian transportation and/or mobile dwellings would be a good approach from the point of view of economics and human resources.