Insights from the First LeaderSHIP4Skills Workshop in Bilbao
In early October, Bilbao hosted an inaugural event for the LeaderSHIP4Skills Erasmus+ Project, a collaboration spearheaded by Foro Marítimo Vasco, the University of Deusto, Deusto Business School, and Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea.
The 1st Workshop on Training Activities gathered key project partners to share insights on HR strategies, best practices, and ongoing challenges faced within the European maritime technology sector. The event highlighted the participation of industry experts Jaime Jacob and Leticia Martinez, who contributed valuable perspectives to the discussion.
The LeaderSHIP4Skills project aims to build and strengthen a large-scale, sustainable partnership across Europe’s regional maritime ecosystems. By engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders, the project fosters collaborations to promote upskilling and reskilling in the industry, drive resources toward training efforts, and enhance synergies between businesses, educational institutions, and vocational education and training (VET) centers.
Representatives from prominent universities, including Jesús Mari Blanco from Universidad del País Vasco, Juha Valtanen from Turku University of Applied Sciences, and José Luis del Val from the University of Deusto, presented new training courses developed under the project. These programs are tailored to equip the current and future maritime workforce with the skills necessary for a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
A highlight of the workshop was the contributions from various VET centers, which play a vital role in nurturing skilled shipbuilding professionals while offering upskilling and reskilling opportunities. Among the VET institutions represented were IFP San Jorge, CIFP Blas de Lezo, Haram Upper Secondary School, and Herøy Upper Secondary School. Each presented their unique approaches to workforce development, showcasing a commitment to sustaining a robust and adaptable talent pipeline within the industry.
The workshop fostered a collaborative environment for participants to expand their understanding of the maritime technology sector and anticipate the skills needed to drive innovation in shipbuilding. The discussions and shared strategies underscore the commitment of LeaderSHIP4Skills to empower the next generation of maritime professionals and strengthen Europe’s competitive edge in the global maritime sector.
The LeaderSHIP4Skills project continues to support and promote collaborative partnerships that bring academia and industry together, ensuring a resilient and skilled workforce equipped for future challenges in maritime technology
Urgent & Emerging Skills in the European Maritime Industry
The maritime industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements, environmental regulations, and increasing global competition. Tontxu Campos, José Luis Del Val, Tugce Akyazi and Fernando Díez from University of Deusto are participating in LeaderSHIP4Skills, which is beginning to yield its first results.
Key findings from our latest research:
1. Digital Skills: There's a growing demand for expertise in AI, automation, and maritime cybersecurity. Over 70% of companies report shortages in these areas.
2. Sustainability: Professionals skilled in green technologies and eco-friendly shipbuilding are urgently needed to meet stricter environmental regulations.
3. Hybrid Skills: The industry now requires workers who can blend traditional shipbuilding expertise with advanced digital competencies.
4. Project Management: As projects become more complex, leadership and organizational skills are crucial to managing multidisciplinary teams.
By addressing these gaps, the European maritime sector can remain competitive and sustainable in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Møre and Romsdal County Council
Møre and Romsdal County is located along the western coast of Norway and is one of 15 Norwegian counties. As of 2023, approximately 268 000 people live in the region. We have 26 municipalities in the county, and our largest towns are Ålesund, Molde, and Kristiansund.
We cover approximately 15 000 square kilometers of land and around 9500 kilometers of coastline. Our economy is primarily tied to maritime and marine industries like fishery and aquaculture, petroleum, furniture, and tourism. Located by the sea, we have long and proud tradition within shipbuilding. Today we host complete maritime value chains, and many world-leading companies are based in our region.
The County Council is the political body of the county and is popularly elected every fourth year. The County Council and its administration are responsible for developing the county in several ways. We provide upper secondary education, vocational training, and public transport. We also maintain and develop most of the public roads in the region, provide for cultural activities, and help make economic growth and development happen. We have a strong international engagement and are currently active in both the Erasmus+ programme and several Interreg programmes.
A key task as a regional developer and educational provider is to better match our educational programmes with the skills needs in the labour market – both now and in the future. This task is even more important when considering the demographic changes we will be facing, as well as the digital and green transitions. This is also the case for our shipbuilding industry.
Møre and Romsdal County Council is a proud partner of the Erasmus+ LeaderSHIP and as a VET provider, our primary task is to develop and pilot relevant training activities within vocational education. We are actively taking part in the project implementation and aim to contribute to a stronger and more resilient shipbuilding industry in Europe.
Contact
Kristian Severeide
kristian.severeide@mrfylke.no
www.mrfylke.no
Turku UAS
Turku UAS works in the heart of the digitalisation and green transition of the maritime industry
Finnish Turku University of Applied Sciences (Turku UAS) coordinates the LeaderSHIP project and takes part in every aspect of the project. The maritime industry is aiming for more sustainable solutions amidst green transition and is seeking new kinds of solutions through digitalisation.
Within the LeaderSHIP project Turku UAS develops courses, educational pilotes and new kinds of learning materials to meet the changing educational needs of maritime industry. The courses and pilotes are designed to support the green transition by reducing the carbon footprint of the maritime industry and to accelerate the use of renewable energy sources and alternative fuels.
LeaderSHIP also aims to attract more young people to work in the maritime industry and to raise awareness that the field offers diverse international careers also for people with higher education.
Turku UAS is a higher education institution of 13,000 experts, researchers, students, faculty members and teaching professionals. With a high level of expertise in research, development and innovations (RDI) work, Turku UAS executes nearly 200 RDI projects on a yearly basis. Projects utilize the multidisciplinary know-how of Turku UAS. We offer degree programmes in the fields of Technology, Communications and Transport, Health Care and Social Services, Business and Administration and Arts and Culture.
Turku UAS does research for example on Engine and Powertrain, Naval Architecture, Manufacturing Engineering, Wireless Communications and Cybersecurity and Circular Business Models.
As a significant regional actor, Turku UAS has close ties to businesses and municipalities in Southwest Finland. Turku UAS is the fourth largest technical university in Finland.
Maritime industry is a significant part of Turku region's industry. In the area there are several maritime industry companies which manufactures ships and other products of the industry. The industry is also a significant employer in the Turku region and has a great impact on the local business life. LeaderSHIP project is implemented in close cooperation with Meyer Turku shipyard, Turku Vocational Institute and large network of companies in the area.
Contact us:
Suvi Kivelä, Project Manager, Turku UAS, suvi.kivela@turkuamk.fi
Juha Valtanen, Content Director, Turku UAS, juha.valtanen@turkuamk.fi
Finnish maritime technology industry heads for sustainable future
The maritime technology industry plays an important role in the economy and employment in Finland, both nationally and regionally.
Finland's maritime technology industry (shipbuilding and equipment manufacturers) consists of marine technical equipment manufacturers, total suppliers, design offices, software and system suppliers, as well as shipbuilding, repair and offshore shipyards. The industry comprises nearly 1100 companies with a combined turnover of 7.65 billion € and it employes 25 400 people. Approximately 90 per cent of the value of the products are exported.
The maritime market is international and is influenced not only by the international economic cycle and international maritime agreements, but also by the strategic and geopolitical interests of countries. The international competitiveness of the Finnish maritime industry has been based on high-tech design and equipment expertise, the construction of complex specialised vessels such as cruise ships and icebreakers, and the efficient management of the necessary supply chain.
Challenges and Opportunities
At the moment, the industry faces both great challenges and opportunities that are related to climate change, digitalisation and the requirement to reduce emissions. Climate change and digitalisation will create new demand and business opportunities as long as the sector invests heavily in competence and innovation, productivity, internationality, exports and cooperation. Low-carbon technologies, digital solutions and efficient value chains are the key to success in the maritime industry.
In conclusion, the Finnish maritime ecosystem is currently in good shape and has a strong inclination towards international growth. However, its success heavily depends on global trends and economic development, innovations and skilled work force. Maritime technology industry is a developing growth sector that will continue to provide opportunities for strong, innovative and competitive businesses in future.
Turku region is important production cluster for the Finnish maritime technology industry, maritime know-how and innovation. Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUAS) has a strong emphasis on sustainable maritime technology in training and education as well as RDI activities with the companies. TUAS collaborates closely with industry partners to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for the maritime sector. This includes focusing on eco-efficient ship design, digitalization, modern production technology and autonomous maritime operations. TUAS is actively involved in international cooperation within the maritime technology industry, universities and other stakeholders in Europe.
LeaderSHIP Project - boosting European maritime technology industry
Global competition requires closer European level cooperation between those involved in the sector and long-term renewal of skills and competences. LeaderSHIP Project aims to enlarge and strengthen the existing large-scale partnership by engaging stakeholders across maritime ecosystems to promote long-term sustainable cooperation. The long-term objective of the LeaderSHIP project is collectively acting for innovation, competitiveness and resilience in the European shipbuilding sector and the entire maritime value chain. It can be done by creating the long-term sectoral skills strategy, the design and implementation of EU-level trainings and by building sustainable cooperation under the umbrella of the EU Shipbuilding and Maritime Pact for Skills.
We have strong understanding that cooperation in training and education at the European level is crucial for the future success of the maritime industry. Initiative like LeaderSHIP project is an excellent example of how collaboration can enhance the quality of maritime education and training across Europe.
References
Association of Finnish Marine Industries (2024)
https://meriteollisuus.teknologiateollisuus.fi/fi/meriteollisuus/meriteollisuus-ry
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland (2021) Study: Marine Industry - Current State and Future Scenarios. Publications of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment 2021:51
TESI: (2023) State of Finnish Marine Industry 2023. Survey & Analysis.
Author
Juha Valtanen, Turku University of Applied Sciences