European Employment Forum & Shipbuilding Pact for Skills
On 3–4 March, the Basque Maritime Cluster took part in the European Employment Forum and in the 16th Technical Meeting of the Large‑Scale Skills Partnerships and Regional Skills Partnerships, held in Brussels.
The gathering brought together coordinators from other Large Scale Partnerships and Regional Skills Partnerships across Europe to exchange progress, best practices, and new collaboration opportunities within the Pact for Skills framework.
Representing the Cluster and leading the Shipbuilding Pact for Skills, the Basque delegation highlighted the Partnership’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the skills ecosystem of the shipbuilding and maritime industries. During the meeting, it was also underlined that the LeaderSHIP Project is a concrete example of how the work developed within the Shipbuilding Pact for Skills is being translated into European cooperation, training initiatives, and sector‑wide skill development actions.
This contribution took on particular relevance at the European Forum on Employment and Social Rights, where important issues such as skills enhancement and upskilling and reskilling for the maritime sector were discussed.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of close cooperation between European regions and industrial alliances to build a resilient, future‑ready maritime workforce.
From Blueprints to Classrooms: Piloting the Future of Shipbuilding Skills Across Europe
The European shipbuilding and maritime technology sector is undergoing a profound transformation. The twin green and digital transitions are not only reshaping vessels and production processes — they are redefining the skills that workers need. In this context, the EU-funded LeaderSHIP project has moved from strategy to implementation: the piloting phase of its training programmes. This is the moment when the curricula developed in earlier project stages meet real learners, real classrooms and real shipyard environments.
The results so far are promising. More than 340 participants have already taken part in pilot courses delivered across Finland, Norway, Romania, Italy and Spain. These courses cover the full range of the European Qualifications Framework: from EQF Level 3 vocational training in welding for unemployed workers, to PhD‑level modules on Internet of Things applications and green transition methodologies. The subjects offered meet the sector's most urgent skill needs, including advanced welding techniques, sustainable shipbuilding, alternative marine fuels, structural analysis using the finite element method, robotic inspections, operational lean management, and transversal skills such as time management and workplace instruction.
One of the main strengths of this piloting phase is its diversity. Training has taken place face‑to‑face in shipyards such as Meyer Turku and Green Yard Kleven in Norway, online through universities of applied sciences, and in blended formats that combine academic expertise with practical industrial experience. Participants include vocational students, unemployed workers with immigrant backgrounds, shipyard professionals and doctoral researchers. Learner satisfaction is consistently high, with average ratings above 8.5 out of 10 and several courses exceeding the 9‑point mark.
Beyond the immediate learning outcomes, the project is building something more enduring: a dynamic roadmap that evolves with the sector’s changing needs. Instead of providing a fixed catalogue, the LeaderSHIP Plan of Training grows and adapts alongside industry developments, helping education providers and companies respond quickly to new skill gaps. Additional courses are already planned for 2026, and institutions such as the University of Deusto have prepared a portfolio of more than fifteen on‑demand modules covering digital transformation, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and leadership.
This is European cooperation in action — connecting industry demand with training capacity to support a resilient and future‑ready workforce.
Skills and quality jobs in the EU Industrial Maritime Strategy
The newly published EU Industrial Maritime Strategy places strong emphasis on skills and workforce development as a key pillar for maintaining the competitiveness and resilience of Europe’s maritime industries. The Strategy underlines that skilled workers underpin efficiency and productivity, enable adaptation to technological change, ensure knowledge retention and transfer, and support sustainability objectives, while contributing to a competitive and resilient maritime ecosystem.
The Strategy stresses that technological evolution, including automation, digitalisation and the uptake of alternative fuels, is increasing the demand for highly skilled workers across maritime sectors. At the same time, the industry faces significant demographic pressure, with up to 40% of the shipbuilding workforce expected to retire by 2030, highlighting the need for stronger investment in education, training, and reskilling initiatives.
To address these challenges, the European Commission plans to support education institutions and social partners in identifying current and future skills gaps and in developing reskilling and upskilling programmes. Among the actions foreseen, the Strategy proposes the creation of a network of maritime higher education institutions and vocational training centres across the EU, aimed at strengthening cooperation in maritime education and training.
The Strategy also highlights the need to improve the mobility, attractiveness and quality of maritime jobs, including by supporting lifelong careers across the maritime cluster and facilitating mobility between sea-based and shore-based professions. It also underlines that women remain underrepresented in maritime careers, particularly in seafaring but also in shore-based roles, and indicates that the European Commission will support initiatives aimed at increasing female participation in the sector.
Overall, the Strategy emphasises that strengthening skills, improving career attractiveness and promoting inclusive employment will be key to ensuring a sustainable and competitive maritime workforce in Europe.
Find the entire communication here
Eight students completed first LeaderSHIP training course “Marine Technology and Offshore Energy“ in the Basque Country
This pilot course offered specialized training in marine engineering, offshore energy
technologies, navigation, safety, and emerging green propulsion systems. It was
structured as microcredentials and universitylevel continuing education, delivered in
blended format and aligned with EQF level 4.
The program aims to:
- Provide complete training in basic ship engineering, including P&ID,
simulator-supported operation, and maintenance of onboard systems. - Offer advanced knowledge of emerging technologies, such as hydrogen
propulsion, green H₂ generation, and offshore refueling systems. - Build a solid foundation in international maritime regulations.
- Reinforce competencies in risk management, emergency procedures, and
safety at sea. - Develop practical skills in CFD analysis and experimental validation using wave
tanks for ships and offshore platforms.
Students followed seven modules, taught at the University of the Basque Country
from 20 October – 12 December 2025:
- Operation & Maintenance (60 h)
- Regulations, Ship Types & Ports (23 h)
- Navigation & Autonomous Vessels (8 h)
- Oceanography & Safety (15 h)
- CFD for Floating Bodies (14 h)
- Fluid Power in Maritime Sector (15 h)
- Hydrogen (14 h)
What Participants Say
Graduates of the first edition generally experienced:
- High satisfaction with course relevance (90%+ positive ratings)
- Strong handson and applied learning through real maritime technologies
- Valuable interactions with companies and research centers
- Improved career perspectives in the growing offshore sector
- A sense of participating in a strategic, forward-looking program in Euskadi’s
blue-economy transformation
LeaderSHIP takes the stage at Euromaritime 2026
LeaderSHIP was present at Euromaritime in Marseille, a leading trade show for the European maritime industry with more than 300 exhibitors and 5,200 visitors from 60 countries from 3-5 February 2026.
The event served as a strategic bridge between regional maritime expertise and the industrial and political ambitions of the European Union, as set out in, e.g., the Pact for Skills, the Fair Labour Mobility Package, Skills Portability Initiative and the European Maritime industrial Strategy.
Our participation focussed on the "human element": the importance of skilled workers for the future of the industry. We engaged with local stakeholders and industry leaders to discuss how European political initiatives can empower regional innovation by delivering modernized training offers.
By translating European strategy into local action, LeaderSHIP is fostering the collaboration necessary to navigate the challenges of tomorrow’s seas through three key pillars:
- Upskilling & Reskilling: Equipping the workforce for the green and digital "twin transition."
- Strategic Collaboration: Aligning industry, educators, and public authorities to ensure training evolves at the pace of market needs.
- Global Competitiveness: Securing the specialized talent required for European maritime players to lead on the world stage.
Through short “pitches” we addressed a wider audience, presenting the results the project has already achieved: 40 curricula developed, 12 piloted courses and five more to be piloted soon. The future of the blue economy depends on our ability to turn EU policy into tangible results. By aligning with the European Green Deal and the latest maritime industrial strategies, LeaderSHIP is actively building a more resilient, skilled, and future-proof maritime sector.
Eleven students complete first LeaderSHIP training course in Galati
The first extracurricular introductory course on the modelling of naval structures using the Finite Element Method (FEM), organised within the framework of this European Union–funded project, was successfully completed on January 20th. The course was designed to enhance students’ practical competencies in structural analysis, complementing their academic training in naval architecture and shipbuilding engineering.
Held at the “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galați, the programme comprised 28 hours of instruction covering the fundamentals of structural analysis, e.g., 3D-FEM modelling, evaluating the local and global strength of a ship hull, followed by a 2-hour evaluation session. Successful completion of this course gives the participating Romanian students clear advantages once they embark on their professional path in the maritime engineering sector: they haver obtained knowledge that is not part of the regular curriculum in their course of study.
Robert, one of the graduates, shared his impressions:
“The course was interactive and very useful. It helped me gain essential knowledge in a particularly interesting area of naval engineering, namely finite element structural analysis. What I appreciated most was the practical work, especially the moment when we carried out the actual analysis and could see the results — the deformation patterns and graphical outputs. The course also helped me understand how to use specialised software and the step-by-step process required to analyse different structures. It complements my university studies very well and offers a clear, applied perspective on naval structural design.”
This initiative contributes to the objectives of the EU-funded project by strengthening the link between academic education and industry-relevant skills, thereby supporting the professional development of future engineers in the maritime sector.
Graduates of the course are expected to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in collaboration with Romanian shipbuilding and naval design companies, further reinforcing the connection between education and industry needs.
Building skills intelligence for the maritime manufacturing industry
The European shipbuilding and maritime technology sector is undergoing major and rapid change. In
fact, digitalization, new environmental requirements and demographic shifts are reshaping jobs and
skills across the industry. The sector is facing an ageing workforce and increasing difficulties in
finding people with the right skills, as the way ships are designed, built and maintained is evolving.
To respond effectively to these new challenges, the sector needs a clear and up-to-date
understanding of its skills needs.
This is why skills intelligence is a core component of the LeaderSHIP project. The main objective is to
better understand which are the urgent and emergent skills that the industry needs.
LeaderSHIP has developed a structured methodology and digital tool to collect and analyse skills
data directly from companies and training providers. The tool is based on a sector-wide survey and
allows the project to identify current skills and labour shortages, emerging skills needs and training
practices across different countries in Europe.
The results of the LeaderSHIP skills survey confirmed several important realities of the shipbuilding
sector. First, skills shortages affect all levels of the workforce. Companies report difficulties not only
in recruiting highly specialized profiles such as engineers, but also key technical roles such as
welders, pipefitters, electricians and boilermakers. This shows that vocational and technical skills
remain just as critical as higher-level qualifications.
At the same time, the data collected clearly shows growing demand for digital skills (such as
automation, simulation, advanced design tools, cybersecurity and data use), green skills (energy
efficiency, alternative fuels, environmental compliance) and transversal skills like problem-solving,
adaptability and teamwork.
Skills intelligence in LeaderSHIP is not an end in itself. In fact, the collected data feeds directly into
the LeaderSHIP Sectoral Skills Strategy, that will identify where training efforts should be
strengthened, which skills should be addressed, and how education and training systems can better
align with industry needs.
The LeaderSHIP project is laying the foundations for a long-term, European approach to skills
intelligence in shipbuilding. This approach will help the sector remain competitive, innovative and
resilient, while ensuring that workers are equipped with the right skills needed to navigate the green
and digital transitions. In this context, LeaderSHIP also contributes to and supports the objectives of
the Pact for Skills for Shipbuilding, reinforcing a coordinated and sector-driven approach to upskilling
and reskilling across Europe.
Here you can find the tools related to this article :
Delivery of a sectoral skills intelligence tool
Skills intelligence on emerging and urgent skills and skills gaps
Report on upskilling and reskilling support in the shipbuilding sector and financing schemes available
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