This research investigates how automation is reshaping Arctic maritime work—enhancing some aspects of safety and efficiency while potentially challenging the role and expertise of seafarers. Through ethnographic fieldwork aboard ships and in coastal stations across the Barents Sea, Svalbard, and Bjørnøya, the project examines how automation intersects with seamanship, safety, and evolving work dynamics.

In regions where extreme conditions demand high levels of skill and adaptability, traditional seamanship remains essential. Although automation is often seen as a tool to support—not replace—human operators, there is a growing trend toward reduced crew sizes, increased remote control, and even autonomous vessels. This shift may diminish professional agency, introduce risks linked to passive monitoring, and erode hands-on knowledge critical for safe Arctic navigation.

The project explores these tensions, focusing on how regulatory frameworks like the Polar Code and SOLAS acknowledge the importance of seamanship—even when not explicitly stated. By analyzing both onboard practices and onshore roles (such as weather relay stations and port inspections), the research aims to offer a comprehensive view of how automation is transforming labour and responsibility in Arctic maritime contexts.

Ultimately, the study seeks to provide actionable insights for industry and policymakers on how to balance technological innovation with human expertise—ensuring safe, sustainable operations as Arctic waters become more accessible. It will also serve as a timely record of how automation is redefining seafaring in one of the world’s most challenging maritime environments.