CIMAC Circle at SMM 2026 Highlights the Future of Human and Digital Crew Interaction
More than 70 maritime professionals gathered at the SMM Digital Stage on 3 September 2026 for the CIMAC Circle discussion “Empowering Human and Digital Crew Member Interaction: ECRAM & HCD.” The event brought together experts from industry, classification societies, shipbuilding, and regulatory affairs to explore how future shipboard operations can safely combine human expertise with increasingly sophisticated digital systems.
Moderated by Pieter Huyskens, Group Director RD&I at Damen Shipyards, the session featured a keynote presentation by Dr Jonathan Earthy, Human Factors Coordinator at Lloyd’s Register, followed by an expert panel consisting of:
- Capt. Eero Lehtovaara, Head of Regulatory and Public Affairs, ABB Oy, Marine & Ports
- Dr Bernard Twomey, Regulatory Development (Marine), Energy & Control, Kongsberg Maritime
- Capt. Brandon J. Larson, PE, AFNI, FIMarEST, Director, Marine Services & Regulatory Affairs, GE Aerospace, Marine Engines & Systems
Alarm Overload: A Growing Challenge for Modern Crews
The discussion focused on two closely linked topics:
- ECRAM (Engine Control Room Alert Management), the emerging performance standard for alert management in machinery and engine control rooms.
- HCD (Human-Centred Design), an approach that places the needs of the operator at the centre of system design.
A key concern raised throughout the session was the growing number of alarms and alerts generated by modern vessels. Panelists agreed that crews are increasingly confronted with alarm overload, creating a significant safety challenge. Engineers often have to evaluate alerts individually, determine ownership, and decide on priorities while maintaining safe operations.
Participants questioned whether current systems provide sufficient support for making these decisions and who should ultimately determine alarm prioritization criteria. The discussion highlighted the important roles of ship operators, OEMs, shipyards, classification societies, and regulators in developing practical solutions.
Understanding the Whole System
One of the central messages from the panel was that the industry must move beyond isolated solutions and adopt a broader systems perspective.
Capt. Eero Lehtovaara emphasized the need for a goal-based approach rather than addressing issues in "bits and pieces." He argued that the maritime sector must look at the complete operational picture and work collectively across all stakeholders, including industry, classification societies, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Dr Bernard Twomey strongly supported this view and emphasized the importance of CIMAC's contribution to future regulation. He noted that the industry must provide substantive technical input during regulatory development. Without such engagement, future regulations risk becoming either technically unachievable or economically unaffordable. CIMAC's direct involvement in IMO activities is therefore essential to ensure practical and effective outcomes.
Keeping Humans at the Centre
Capt. Brandon Larson highlighted the importance of systems thinking that integrates both technology and people. Rather than developing solutions focused solely on technical functionality, future systems must support the humans responsible for operating and monitoring increasingly complex vessels.
This theme resonated strongly with a key question raised during the discussion:
Do crew members truly understand what they are monitoring?
The panel agreed that future alert management systems must do more than generate warnings. Instead, they should provide watch engineers with an integrated operational model that explains system status, relationships between alerts, and the significance of emerging issues in a clear and intuitive way.
ECRAM and Human-Centred Design as Enablers
The CIMAC perspective on ECRAM and Human-Centred Design is built around a simple but powerful principle: providing the right information, in the right context, at the right time, for the right situation. By bringing context to alarms and making alerts manageable, future systems can empower crews to make informed decisions with greater confidence while interacting effectively with digital crew members and advanced decision-support tools.
An important takeaway from the discussion was that successful digitalization is not about providing more data. It is about delivering meaningful information that supports safe and effective decision-making.
CIMAC's Contribution to IMO Work on ECRAM
The discussion also highlighted CIMAC's active engagement in the ongoing IMO Correspondence Group on ECRAM. Through its experts and working groups, CIMAC continues to provide technical input and submit information to support the development of internationally harmonized requirements for alert management. This contribution ensures that future regulations benefit from practical operational experience and engineering expertise from across the maritime industry.
Looking Ahead
The strong attendance and lively discussion demonstrated the growing relevance of ECRAM and Human-Centred Design as shipping moves toward greater automation and digitalization. While technologies continue to evolve, the panel reached a clear consensus: the future of maritime operations depends on empowering people, not overwhelming them.
By combining human expertise with intelligent and well-designed digital systems, the industry can improve safety, reduce cognitive workload, and create the conditions for better decisions at sea.
As the dialogue on ECRAM continues within IMO and across the maritime community, CIMAC remains committed to bringing together stakeholders, sharing expertise, and helping shape practical solutions for the next generation of ship operations.