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Remote Work in Shipping: Navigating Calm Waters or Heading into Fog?

Iakovos ( jack ) Archontakis

Commercial Director

TMC SHIPPING ( as agents only )

Remote work has sailed smoothly into many industries, but in shipping — where timing, teamwork, and real-world judgment are the rudder — it faces headwinds. Can the home office keep up with a sector that never drops anchor?

Where Remote Shines

For certain roles, distance is a plus: 

Flexible schedules that fit different time zones and lifestyles. 

Reduced commuting costs and workplace overheads.

Better work-life balance, especially for solo-task roles.

When Distance Creates Drift

Shipping runs on momentum, coordination, and instinct — all of which suffer when physical presence is absent.

Decision-making stalls: What used to be handled with a quick desk-side talk now requires layers of messages and approvals.

Junior staff fall behind: Learning the "feel" of operations — the human element — doesn't translate well over Teams or Slack.

Tools and tech lag: Home setups rarely match the data security , internet speed  and integration of in-office systems.

Team bonds weaken: Virtual communication lacks spontaneity, and remote teams often lose cohesion. 

Burnout sneaks in: Without a clear boundary, "off" hours become a blur — leading to stress and fatigue.

Remote Work: Niche Crew or Full Steam Ahead?

Some roles — analysts, developers, documentation specialists — might work just fine remotely. But for roles tied to live decision-making, emergency handling, and mentoring, in-person collaboration remains non-negotiable.

A hybrid model might be the sweet spot — allowing flexibility where possible, while keeping core teams together when it matters. Remote work should support the ship, not steer it.

If you've spent years in the shipping trenches, we want your take. Which roles can safely go remote? And how could we design remote onboarding that actually works ?   Your feedback can chart the course forward.

Disclaimer
This report and the information contained herein are for general information only and does not constitute an investment advice