University of Galati Faculty Launches Training Series “Analysis of Naval Structures Using the Finite Element Method”
On December 5th, the Faculty of Naval Architecture launched its new series of professional upskilling training courses, developed within its own laboratories and financed by the European ERASMUS+ program under the project Learning European Alliance for Digital, Environmental and Resilient Shipbuilding (LeaderSHIP). This initiative supports the modernization of shipbuilding education across Europe by integrating digital, environmental, and resilience-oriented competencies. The courses are open to all interested candidates without a fixed upper limit on enrollment.
The first course in this newly launched series is “Analysis of Naval Structures Using the Finite Element Method (Fundamental Chapters).” Prof. PhD. Eng. Leonard Domnișoru, an internationally recognized specialist in structural engineering and ship design, leads the program. The curriculum was developed in close collaboration with key representatives from major ship design companies—Marine Engineering Galați, ICEPRONAV Engineering Galați, and Ship Design Group Galați—to ensure alignment with current industrial needs and technological standards.The course targets undergraduate students and graduates with basic knowledge of physics, mechanics, and strength of materials. It offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to structural analysis using the Finite Element Method (FEM).
What Is the Finite Element Method?
The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical technique for predicting and analyzing how structures respond to physical forces. It calculates stresses, deformations, and overall structural integrity. FEM is widely applied across engineering sectors—including automotive, aeronautics, civil engineering, and especially shipbuilding, where it plays a critical role in assessing the mechanical behavior of ship structures. For example, during ship construction, cranes lift and transport heavy blocks. Ensuring structural safety often requires temporary stiffeners, and FEM enables naval architects to determine the optimal reinforcement strategy.
Upon completion, participants receive an official certificate issued by “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, recognized at the European level through the ERASMUS+ framework. This strengthens the employability of graduates in the international maritime and shipbuilding industry.
The training courses are certified by the "Dunărea de Jos" University of Galați through the Department of Continuous Learning. Participants who complete the program will receive 2 ECTS credits within the Naval Architecture qualification program after attending 30 hours of training over 8 weeks and it is open to all unemployed interested candidates.
Further details and contact information about this course—as well as future courses developed under the LeaderSHIP project—are available on the Faculty of Naval Architecture’s official Facebook page (in Romanian).
https://www.facebook.com/
(Picture: Gabriel Popescu and Leonard Domnisoru, Dunarea de Jos University of Galati)
Experiences from a Research Visit at the University of Genoa, Italy
Author: Natalia Reen, Åbo Akademi University
Introduction
During my research exchange in Italy, organized as part of the Virtual Sea Trial project, I had the opportunity to collaborate with several colleagues from the University of Genoa. We organized and participated in multiple meetings and seminars, collaborated on a joint paper, and held many fruitful discussions. Among those colleagues was Dr. Gianmarco Vergassola, whom I met regularly at the university’s laboratory in La Spezia, where my exchange office was hosted.
Interview
Natalia : Dr. Vergassola, how does the University of Genoa cooperate with the shipbuilding industry in practice? What are the primary topics of such cooperation?
Gianmarco: There are several ways universities and shipbuilding companies collaborate. Large companies with strong R&D capabilities and a focus on innovation often establish direct contracts with universities to carry out R&D projects. On the other hand, smaller companies that cannot maintain extensive R&D departments typically participate in joint projects funded through EU or national calls.
Currently, much research is directed toward propulsion systems, particularly the adoption of methanol. However, not all efforts focus solely on propulsion. One of the key challenges in shipbuilding is reducing vessel weight, and structural design plays a critical role in that. This is where the use of composite materials becomes especially important.
Natalia : What are the main trends shaping the development of shipbuilding structures and materials today? What are the drivers and challenges?
Gianmarco: The use of new composite materials and the evolution of structural design in shipbuilding are not purely technical issues—they are strongly influenced by customer demands. In the pleasure craft segment, for example, comfort has become the leading design requirement, surpassing traditional priorities such as speed or efficiency.
The adoption of new materials introduces the challenge of predicting and mitigating noise and vibrations at early design stages. If such issues are detected late in the construction process, they can be difficult and costly to resolve.
An interesting example of future structural integration is glass. Currently, glass elements are treated as independent components requiring separate calculations, handling, and installation. In the future, we aim to make glass an integral part of a vessel’s structure—contributing both aesthetically and functionally.
Our university is also heavily involved in noise and vibration studies, developing simulations and tools that are used not only by shipbuilders but also in collaboration with classification societies such as RINA. Based on our research, these societies adjust their rules and provide updated recommendations to the industry.
Natalia : What role does data play in the development of ship structures? How do you use different types of data in your work?
Gianmarco: Data is fundamental. We rely on various types of data: historical records, design drawings, simulation results, and data from real ship construction and operational processes. All this information is compiled into databases to support predictions and improve accuracy.
However, there are challenges. For instance, technical drawings are often outdated and don’t reflect the changes made during construction. This hinders the application of digital twin technology, which requires precise, up-to-date models. Moreover, while digital simulations are powerful, their effectiveness is limited without a wide range of variants and long-term data.
Simulating structural behavior is particularly complex when it comes to interior furniture—especially for luxury yachts. These elements are hard to model accurately. Welding is another tough area; predicting residual stress caused by welding remains a significant challenge.
Natalia : Looking ahead, what innovations do you foresee in ship structures and materials?
Gianmarco: I strongly believe that the use of shear-resistant structures and composite materials—both fiber and resin—will increasingly reshape the shipbuilding landscape, for both small and large vessels.
We must focus on building robust processes for digital twins, particularly in the context of composite structures. Fiber orientation, for example, significantly influences structural performance and needs to be properly accounted for in simulations.
Furthermore, the development of green composites is essential. Unlike steel, which can never be truly “green,” composite materials have the potential to be more sustainable if developed responsibly. However, knowledge of composites in shipbuilding is still limited. We need to build on the experience from industries like aerospace, where composite use is more advanced.
A major advantage of composites is the possibility of modular construction using stumps—this simplifies assembly and could revolutionize ship construction methods. As we begin to apply composite solutions to larger vessels—50, 70 meters and beyond—our collective knowledge and innovation potential will grow significantly.
Natalia : Thank you, Gianmarco, for this insightful discussion. I look forward to strengthening the cooperation between our universities, particularly through joint projects, collaborative research groups, and co-authored publications. Such synergy will undoubtedly contribute to advancing European efforts in shipbuilding and naval research. I hope to see you soon at upcoming events and collaborative activities.
Dr. Vergassola is a researcher at DITEN – Department of Naval, Electrical, Electronic, and Telecommunications Engineering. He currently works at the University of Genoa as an Assistant Professor. The DITEN faculty is part of the Polytechnic School of Genoa, encompassing various technical areas including engineering, telecommunications, electrical, and naval architecture. Dr. Vergassola specializes in naval architecture and shipbuilding, with a focus on structural engineering – particularly for pleasure craft. His postdoctoral work included collaboration with industrial shipyards through various joint research projects.
Natalia Reen, Senior Researcher, Åbo Akademi University.
First LeaderSHIP Pilot Courses Now Available Online
Earlier this year, Natalia Reen, Senior Researcher at Åbo Akademi University (Finland), spent three months as a visiting researcher at the La Spezia Campus of the University of Genoa (UniGe). Her research focuses on sustainability and digitalisation, and during her stay, she was actively involved in the activities of the LeaderSHIP4Skills project.
Reen contributed to the development of several curricula and delivered two courses:
- An in-person course for PhD students at the Centro del Mare, titled “Methodology for Green Transition in the Maritime Industry”, which explored strategies and methodologies for advancing sustainability in maritime contexts.
- An online course on IoT Applications in Shipyards, highlighting the role of digital technologies in modernising shipbuilding processes.
In addition, she offered two pilot courses:
- A half-day seminar on the green transition in the maritime industry.
- A comprehensive eight-hour course on the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in maritime settings.
Recordings of both pilot courses are now available on UniGe’s YouTube channel:
LeaderSHIP4Skills pilot courses offered by Dr. Natalia Reen, visiting researcher at UniGe
Workplace Instructor Training Day Strengthened Guidance Skills and Future Cooperation
As a result of the LeaderSHIP project, the number of apprenticeship students at Meyer Turku shipyard is increasing significantly, which creates a growing need for new workplace instructors and assessors.
As part of the project, Mika Haapalainen from Turku Vocational Institute / Meyer Turku Shipbuilding School organized workplace instructor training on August 29, 2025, and trained Meyer Turku employees as workplace instructors using tailored training materials.
The training focused on the content of qualification units, legislation related to students, and the importance of giving feedback. Each instructor was assigned the qualification units that their students will complete. The aim was to strengthen the instructors’ competence and make it easier to guide students. The training also clarified the role of supervisors in assessment and helped instructors better recognize their responsibilities.
Content of the Training Day
- workplace learning, guidance, and assessment
- qualification unit content, structure of the qualification, and changes in qualification requirements
- legislation and responsibilities related to students
- notifications to the Regional State Administrative Agency
- notifications required at the shipyard
- giving proper feedback to students
- importance of feedback from the workplace
- demonstration of personal competence targeted to qualification units and practices
The participants gave very positive feedback about the training. According to the feedback, the training was organized in a very professional manner, and the content was considered diverse and engaging. The event was also important for strengthening team spirit within the workplace, as it provided an opportunity to get to know others working with the shipyard apprenticeship model.
The shipyard’s own teachers were also present at the training day, which is important for future cooperation.
LeaderSHIP4Skills project’s second Training Workshop
Turku University of Applied Sciences hosted the LeaderSHIP4Skills project’s second Training Workshop on curricula design and training on 1 and 2 October 2025 in Turku. The workshop programme included focused discussions and working sessions related to Work Packages 3: Curricula design and WP 4: training Provision. Over the course of two intensive and collaborative days, we achieved substantial progress—setting a strong foundation for the forthcoming pilot courses and advancing the validation process of the project’s syllabi. We have drafted over 30 syllabi mainly on urgent skills than emerging skills curricula. Collecting information in emerging skills will be needed. As we mark the halfway point of this four-year initiative, the next phase promises to bring even greater engagement from industry stakeholders, both within the project consortium and across the wider shipbuilding sector.
At present, most curricula are developed at local or national levels, which limits opportunities for broader collaboration and knowledge sharing across Europe. To address this, there is a growing need to design and implement Europe-wide curricula that promote harmonized learning standards and foster cross-border cooperation. One promising approach could involve the development of massive open online courses (MOOCs) created and delivered collaboratively by multiple partners. Such initiatives would not only provide accessible, high-quality learning resources to a diverse audience but also strengthen partnerships among educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and research organizations.
Besides the intense workshop, participants had the opportunity to visit several laboratories located on the Turku University of Applied Sciences campus, gaining valuable insights into the educational and technological infrastructure supporting maritime and engineering studies. A notable visit was made to Quad Tech Turku, a multidisciplinary learning environment. Furthermore, the partners were given a brief tour of Turku UAS’ Engine and Powertrain Laboratory offering a glimpse into the advanced research and development activities taking place within the institution. The energy and collaboration in Turku were inspiring—and a clear sign that together, we’re building the skills that will drive Europe’s shipbuilding industry forward.
Strengthening Norway’s Maritime Workforce: A Collaborative Path Forward
Norway’s maritime industry continues to evolve, driven by innovation in shipbuilding, digitalization, and sustainability. As the sector grows, so does the need for skilled professionals—engineers, technicians, and administrative staff—who can support this transformation.
Across Møre og Romsdal county, maritime companies and business associations are working together to address workforce needs. Initiatives include closer ties with educational institutions, expanded apprenticeship programs, and outreach to student communities in major cities. These efforts are already generating positive attention and engagement.
However, long-term workforce development calls for broader strategies. Traditional recruitment methods—such as job fairs and school campaigns—are valuable, but stakeholders are now exploring complementary approaches that align with wider societal goals.
Inclusive Recruitment: A Win-Win Approach
One promising direction involves connecting industry recruitment with social inclusion. Inspired by the LeaderSHIP program and its research, MAFOSS – together with NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration), Møre and Romsdal County Council and Furene AS - explores ways to reach out to individuals facing barriers to employment and to create meaningful opportunities for young adults who are currently outside education and employment. In Møre og Romsdal alone, an estimated 3,000–4,000 individuals aged 18–29 fall into this category. Nationally, the number is closer to 100,000. Many of these individuals are motivated and eager to contribute but face structural challenges that limit access to training and employment. By offering tailored support and inclusive pathways, the maritime industry can tap into a valuable pool of talent while contributing to social cohesion.
Looking Ahead
The maritime sector’s commitment to long-term workforce development is not just about filling vacancies—it’s about building resilient communities and sustainable careers. By embracing inclusive strategies and fostering collaboration across public and private sectors, Norway’s maritime industry is well-positioned to thrive in the years ahead.
(picture: Jan Thormodsaeter, Maritime Association for Southern Sunnmøre, and Kristian Severeide, Møre and Romsdal County)
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.
IoT and Maritime Applications Online Course Held Under Erasmus+ Project LeaderSHIP4Skills
From July 1st to 4th, 2025, the University of Genoa (Italy) hosted the free online course “IoT Concepts, Architectural Principles and Maritime Applications”, aimed at professionals, researchers, and PhD students interested in digital innovation in the maritime sector.
This training initiative is part of the EU-funded LeaderSHIP4Skills project, which supports the development of future-oriented skills in the European maritime industry.
Delivered entirely in English and open to all without prerequisites, the course offered 8 hours of theoretical and practical content. Topics included:
- Fundamental IoT concepts
- Communication protocols
- Cloud-based solutions
- Real-world maritime applications
The course was organized by the University of Genoa as part of the research visit of Dr. Natalia Reen from Åbo Akademi University (Finland). During the exchange period, she was involved in LeaderSHIP4Skills project activities including co-authoring an academic paper, developing new maritime education curricula, and designing and piloting lectures bringing her specific knowledge on greener and digital technologies applied to shipbuilding.
A group of 10–12 participants took part in the training, engaging in interactive sessions that bridged cutting-edge technology with maritime industry needs. Among others, IoT was identified in earlier phases of the project as one of the “urgent skill” emerging in the field.