MLA601 Maritime Industry in the 21st Century: Assessment September 2026

There are three summative deadlines for MLA601. Read the full assessment brief below before you start your coursework.

• Padlet post deadline: Sunday 11 October 2026, 23:59 UK time (absolute deadline Sunday 25 October 2026, 23:59 UK time)
• First coursework deadline: Sunday 08 November 2026, 23:59 UK time
• Second coursework deadline: Sunday 27 December 2026, 23:59 UK time

Assessment Brief

Include visual aids (figures, tables) in your answers where relevant. Support statements and opinions with references, preferably from primary literature (peer-reviewed articles). References must follow the Harvard style of referencing. Word counts must stay within (+/-) 10% of the stated limit.

Assessment 1

Question 1: Introduction on Padlet (5%)

This activity helps you develop professional communication and networking skills while building a sense of community within the Sustainable Maritime Operations programme. Using Padlet, post a brief video introduction (maximum 3 minutes) to your fellow students on the module.

What to include in your video:

• Your full name, how you would like to be addressed, and your location.
• The sector you currently work in and your role, briefly summarising your key responsibilities.
• Your previous education and employment or relevant experience, with an emphasis on responsibilities or projects related to sustainability, if applicable.
• Your career aspirations, and how you believe MLA College and the Sustainable Maritime Operations degree will support you in achieving these goals.
• Optionally, a short personal note such as a hobby or interest.

Peer engagement: Comment on at least two posts by your fellow students. Make your comments meaningful, for example by clarifying details about their role, exploring sustainability aspects in their work, or offering suggestions for their professional growth or career plans. You will be marked on your ability to ask critical, informed questions and provide thoughtful answers.

Submission requirements: Take screenshots of your Padlet introduction video and your two initial peer comments, and paste them into your Assessment 1 submission. Your final Assessment 1 document must include Question 1 (three Padlet screenshots) and Question 2 (Literature Review).

Question 2: Literature Review (35%)

Sourcing and critically analysing literature across a range of topics will be a fundamental skill throughout your studies. This involves engaging with academic materials beyond general Internet sources and making effective use of the University’s library and other scholarly databases.

2a. Understanding Literature Reviews (200 words)

Start by familiarising yourself with the University of Plymouth online library Primo. Locate 2–3 academic books focused on study or academic skills that include chapters on completing a literature review. You may also use other credible publications and websites, but you must also read ‘Doing a Literature Review’ in the TLP before completing this part.

Summarise your understanding of the purpose and role of a literature review in a short reflective piece, incorporating appropriate in-text references to the selected sources.

2b. Narrative Literature Review (1400 words)

Conduct a short narrative literature review on the topic of wearable technologies for seafarers. Review at least seven contemporary references (from the last five years):

• three academic sources (e.g., journal papers or book chapters)
• two trade publications (e.g., Lloyd’s List, Seaways)
• two official websites (e.g., IMO, NGO Shipbreaking Platform)

Write your review in essay format, addressing the following components:

1. Background: What is already well established in the literature on this topic? What are the key environmental, social, and economic challenges highlighted?
2. Methods and data: What types of research methods and data collection approaches are used in your sources (e.g., case studies, surveys, literature reviews)? Are the data sources sufficient and reliable?
3. Discussion: What controversies, challenges, or inconsistencies appear across the sources? Are there conflicting views or findings?
4. Further research: What questions remain unanswered? What areas would benefit from further academic investigation?

Include a reference list using the Harvard Referencing System.

Assessment 2

Question 3: The Future of Maritime Transport Through Technologies (1800 words, 50%)

The maritime industry is undergoing rapid technological transformation in response to increasing demands for greater efficiency, sustainability, safety, and resilience. Emerging technologies are reshaping the way ships, ports, and supply chains operate. While these innovations offer significant opportunities, they also present challenges related to implementation, cost, regulation, cybersecurity, workforce development, and environmental performance.

Produce a data-driven academic report that critically evaluates one emerging technology and its potential to transform the maritime industry over the next decade. Your report should address the research question:

To what extent is your selected technology likely to transform the maritime industry over the next decade?

Choose one of the following technologies, or propose another emerging maritime technology subject to approval from your module tutor:

• artificial intelligence (AI)
• digital twins
• autonomous ships
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• blockchain
• robotics and automation
• satellite and remote sensing technologies

Your report should combine academic literature with quantitative evidence to evaluate the current adoption, benefits, limitations, and future potential of your chosen technology.

• Introduction: State the aim and objectives of your report, introduce your selected technology and its relevance to the maritime industry, briefly justify why it could influence the future of maritime transport, and outline the structure of your report.
• Main body: Critically analyse your chosen technology, explaining its principles and current applications in the maritime industry, and identify the opportunities, challenges and current limitations associated with it.
• Quantitative evidence: A key focus is the analysis and interpretation of quantitative evidence. Evaluate the current development and future impact of the technology using relevant data.

Question 4: Personal Reflection (400 words, 10%)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how people learn, work, solve problems, and access information. As AI tools become increasingly capable, some argue that higher education is becoming less necessary, while others believe that higher education is more important than ever. Choose one of the following positions:

• Position A: AI is reducing the need for higher education.
• Position B: Higher education remains essential, even in the era of AI.

Develop a well-reasoned argument supporting your chosen position. Draw on relevant examples, evidence, personal observations, or experiences where appropriate, and consider and respond to potential counterarguments.

There is no “correct” position. Your grade will be based on the quality of your reasoning, the strength and coherence of your argument, your use of evidence, and your ability to critically engage with the topic.

Marking Criteria

Your coursework is marked against seven criteria:

• Content
• Understanding and Evaluation
• Originality/Independent Thinking
• Data Analysis and Interpretation
• Use of Literature
• General Communication Skills
• Independence and Use of Support

Grades follow the MLA College grading scheme for undergraduate modules, with a pass mark of 40%.