Navantia participates in UDC Conecta to expand knowledge transfer between the university sphere
Navantia has participated in the launch of UDC Conecta, an initiative from the University of A Coruña aimed at boosting the connection between knowledge generated in the university sphere and productive sectors, so that scientific advances can have industrial applications and the value chain is strengthened.
The Head of Digital and Industrial Transformation for Navantia in the Ferrol Estuary, Rafael Morgade, took part in a round table to explain how this transfer of knowledge is being carried out, building bridges between Navantia and UDC, particularly with the Ferrol Campus. This fruitful collaboration, among other initiatives, finds one of its strongest pillars in CEMI (the Joint Research Centre, which also includes the Galician Innovation Agency).
CEMI was created in 2022 as the successor to earlier Joint Research Units. Its aim is to support the digital transformation of the shipyard, focusing on the optimisation of all production processes, the implementation of digital twins—both for plants and products—and the planning and development of the Block Factory, through the introduction of enabling and disruptive technologies.
The project concludes in 2025, with the various lines of research now in their final phase prior to implementation in the shipyard.
Navantia Ferrol brings together industry partners and VET centres for the needs of the shipbuilding sector
Navantia Ferrol has started holding regular meetings with representatives from partner industries, Vocational Training Centres, and the Galician Naval Cluster Association (Aclunaga) to promote communication between the industry and the educational sphere, to establish measures that adapt curricula to the needs of the shipbuilding industry.
The Director of the business of Frigates and Intervention Vessels Business, Eduardo Dobarro, summarised the goals of the meeting:
•Assess current and future needs by identifying the skills and competencies that will be required in the naval sector in the coming years.
•Develop a collaborative framework between ACLUNAGA, Navantia, partner industries, and vocational training centres to address the sector’s requirements.
•Create and adapt specific vocational training programmes that respond to market demands, ensuring that educational offerings meet the quality standards demanded by the shipbuilding industry.
•Facilitate job insertion by implementing strategies that ensure a smooth transition for vocational students into the naval sector labour market.
•Ensure that the defined action plan is carried out, meeting milestones and objectives.
The meeting was well attended and concluded with the definition of several actions in which work will be carried out from different areas. The meeting was born with a vocation of continuity and a second Vocational Training Meeting is planned in September.
Postgraduate Students from University of Vigo Visit Navantia to Deepen Their Understanding of Supply Chain Innovation
Postgraduate students from the Master’s in Supply Chain Management and Innovation at the School of Industrial Engineering, University of Vigo, visited the Ferrol shipyard as part of the module “Industry 4.0: Opportunities, Challenges, and Risks”. This subject includes a section dedicated to digital transformation in shipyards, delivered by Miguel Vilar Montesinos, Head of Architecture and Technological Innovation at Navantia. The syllabus features a visit to the facilities.
During the tour, the students were accompanied by Rafael Morgade, Head of Digital and Industrial Transformation. The visit focused on aspects most relevant to their training, specifically supply chain management and innovation to enhance companies’ competitive advantage. After an introduction in the main building, the group—made up of about thirty people—moved to the Integrated Control Centre, which oversees all operations in the plant and boasts an award-winning digital twin. There, David Roca, Head of Maintenance, explained the plant’s operations. The group also learnt about the frigate manufacturing process, visiting workshops and concluding with a brief tour of the slipway and the Digital Block Factory.
At the Training Building, participants attended a talk by Miguel Vilar about Navantia and its products, as well as the company’s digital transformation. He also delved into topics related to Key Enabling Technologies (KETs), with special attention to drones (UxVs), additive manufacturing (3D printing), the Integrated Service System (SSI), and Extended Realities. He showcased projects, pilot schemes, and prototypes on which Navantia is working for implementation in its vessels and facilities.