Maturing Machines: Technological Development and Situated Practices of Socialization Onboard Liquified Natural Gas (lng) Carriers

Abstract I analyze human-machine interactions onboard liquified natural gas ( lng ) carriers focusing on machines that are technologically advanced parts of automated systems. Such machines are initially designed and constructed by engineers on land where they are tested and where seafarers first interact with them through simulation training. These land-based interactions lead to challenges when the machines are first operated at sea. However, through situated practices of socialization carried out by the seafarers at sea supported by engineers on land, machines gradually mature and become integrated — socialized—into the ship’s context. This process is exemplified in the case of the Electronically Controlled Gas Injection Engine ( me - gi ) where safety and efficiency rely on different forms of testing, which must involve human sentiments like worry, care, and love. By focusing on these practices—aimed at maturing machines and involving staff both on land and at sea—the scope of institutional and corporate intentions aimed at problem-solving during design, production, and commissioning phases is broadened. The article emphasizes therefore the importance of human qualities—extracted from the making of machines—in ensuring safety and efficiency, rather than relying on design and legislation, as advanced automated machines, matured socio-technical systems, still conceal materiality and social interactions.