Transform Your Meals: How Onboard Food Production Delivers Fresh Nutrition at Sea

In the world of shipping, we often overlook an essential factor: the wellbeing of seafarers. With 1.9 million seafarers playing a crucial role in global trade, it’s high time we prioritize their needs, especially when it comes to nutrition. One innovative solution is utilizing new technology to grow fresh food onboard ships.

New methods for onboard food production can turn vessels into self-sustaining ecosystems. These systems can grow fresh, high-quality vegetables anywhere in the world, putting nutritious food within easy reach of the crew.

For instance, Agwa’s growing system requires only water, electricity, and Wi-Fi. It uses advanced AI and machine learning to ensure that plants thrive in various maritime environments. This “plug and play” solution makes it simple for crew members to enjoy fresh greens without needing farming skills.

The technology works by gathering data through image analysis, sensors, and consumer habits. A Virtual Agronomist processes this information to create customized growth plans for each type of plant. This ensures that fresh vegetables are available regardless of changes in route, port limitations, or harsh weather conditions.

Additionally, an easy-to-use app provides updates on harvests and monthly plant selections, keeping crew members engaged. This opportunity also allows them to learn about advanced AI and IoT systems, which can prepare them for the digital future of shipping.

By producing food onboard, ships can greatly lessen their dependence on external supply chains, leading to lower emissions and reduced waste. The best part? Ship operators spend no more on onboard-grown vegetables than on traditional supplies, while also enhancing crew satisfaction and sustainability.

Better nutrition can significantly improve seafarers’ focus, alertness, and decision-making skills. In high-pressure environments, this can translate into fewer mistakes and better teamwork, ultimately boosting overall performance. Research shows that access to fresh, self-grown produce positively impacts both physical and mental health.

Having living plants onboard can ease the psychological stress of long voyages, offering crews a connection to nature. Caring for these plants also fosters a sense of community and purpose among crew members, enhancing their social interactions.

The maritime food supply chain has often depended on frozen or preserved products, which may not meet the nutritional expectations of today’s younger seafarers. This can create challenges that lead to feelings of isolation and low morale on long trips, making it harder to recruit and keep skilled workers.

New amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, coming into effect in December 2024, recognize that every seafarer has the right to nutritious meals. For many, this means fresh, balanced, and culturally appropriate food. To meet these rights, fresh food production onboard must become the norm rather than the exception.

This onboard food growing innovation is not just about sustainability; it’s also about uplifting seafarer wellbeing. Companies that have integrated Agwa’s systems, such as Maersk and Eastern Pacific Shipping, are already reaping the benefits. Investing in crew welfare leads to happier, healthier, and more productive workers.

Traditionally, companies viewed crew wellbeing as a cost rather than a valuable investment. However, onboard growing systems demonstrate that prioritizing crew welfare offers significant returns, including improved morale, enhanced safety, and better operational efficiency. Nutrition is a fundamental component of health and success in the industry, making onboard growing systems a vital development.

The future of crew welfare is in holistic solutions that tackle various challenges at once. By adopting technologies that boost nutrition and quality of life, companies can make the maritime profession more attractive. It’s not merely about fulfilling basic needs; it’s about creating an environment where seafarers can thrive both personally and professionally.

Agwa is pioneering a significant change at sea, helping to redefine crew welfare—one vessel, one meal, one fresh vegetable at a time.

Source link

Digitalisation,Vessels