Project Consortium Meeting in Copenhagen
A meeting for the EU-funded project LEADERSHIP took place on November 20 in Copenhagen, bringing together project Partners. The project, aimed at strengthening Europe’s global competitiveness in shipbuilding, focuses on innovation, sustainability, and the development of a skilled workforce. Representatives from industry, academia, and stakeholders attended to discuss progress, challenges, and next steps.
Meeting Highlights
The agenda featured presentations on technological advancements, workforce development strategies, and sustainability frameworks. Key discussions revolved around:
- New skills needed and new curricula that the academic partners are engaged to develop and pilot.
- Recognising the critical role of human expertise, the project emphasised upskilling initiatives tailored to emerging technologies. Discussions also highlighted the need to attract younger talent and women to address the sector’s ageing workforce.
- The Danish Maritime Research Alliance was presented a good practice. It is a collaborative network formed to unify maritime research efforts across Denmark. Established in 2020 with support from the Danish Maritime Fund, it aims to address challenges such as digitalisation, automation, and green transformation within Denmark’s maritime sector. The alliance brings together researchers from universities, maritime academies, and industry to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
The project partners had the possibility to visit MAN Energy Solution, a leading player in marine propulsion and power systems. The visit was an important aspect of understanding the integration of cutting-edge technologies into shipbuilding, especially in light of the global push for greener and more efficient maritime solutions.
LeaderSHIP 3rd project meeting in Copenhagen
On November 19 and 20th the LeaderSHIP project will hold its third meeting that will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark.
During the meeting participants will discuss the Learnings, presented by the the Danish Maritime Research Alliance, they will discuss Strategic and sustainable cooperation skills as well as the different project deliverables and trainings followed by a visit to the MAN Energy Solutions, where we will have an introduction to MAN, instruction facilities and the need for skills at different levels and within different areas.
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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.
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
LeaderSHIP Dissemination Event in Galati, Romania
Skills of tomorrow for the European maritime sector: Insights from the LeaderSHIP Dissemination Event in Galati, Romania 28th May 2024.
🌟 We had today an inspiring and informative dissemination event where shipbuilding industry experts, universities, training providers, companies, and public authorities came together to discuss the latest trends and developments. Let’s dive into the key presentations:
Welcoming Words by Florin Marian Spataru (RO), Mr. Spătaru, The Chancellery of the Prime Minister in Romania, set the tone for the event. His opening remarks emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in the shipbuilding sector.
LeaderSHIP Project Presentation by Juha Valtanen and Suvi Kivelä (FI) Turku University of Applied Sciences. They shared insights into the LeaderSHIP project. This initiative aims to enhance skills, foster cross-border cooperation in Europe, create courses for needs of the companies to drive sustainable growth, boost innovation, green skills and digitalisation in shipbuilding sector.
Researchers Tatiana Pais and Gianmarco Vergasolla (IT) from the University of Genoa presented some findings from the LeaderSHIP survey and training needs. Their analysis highlighted training gaps and identified areas for improvement within the industry.
Global Shipbuilding Market review was given by Monia El faziki (BE) representing SEA Europe. Her presentation shed light on global trends and challenges.
Ana Mendibil and Txaber Benito del Valle (ES) FORO MARÍTIMO VASCO shared findings from the Regional Ecosystem Mapping done in the LeaderSHIP project. Understanding regional strengths is crucial for fostering innovation and competitiveness of European Maritime Cluster.
Market Developments 2023 and Insight on the Romanian Shipbuilding Industry 2018–2023 we presented by Gelu Stan (RO) from ANCONAV Galați Romania. Gelu Stan provided an overview of market trends and the Romanian shipbuilding landscape.
Romanian Ship Designers between Tradition and Innovation were presented by Sorin Brazdis (RO) from ICEPRONAV ENGINEERING SRL.
Sandița Păcuraru and Radu Bosoancă (RO) representing CCOC UDJG (Dunărea de Jos University of Galați), showcased the university’s contributions to naval architecture education.
🔗 Feel free to connect with the speakers and fellow participants on LinkedIn to continue the conversation! Let’s propel the shipbuilding industry forward together. 🌊⚓
Launch of a New Erasmus+ Project!
On November 16 & 17, partners of the LeaderSHIP European Project travelled to Turku – Finland to participate in the Kick-off Meeting for the LeaderSHIP Project (Learning European Alliance for Digital, Environmental and Resilient Shipbuilding).
The main goal of the project is to support the Shipbuilding Pact of Skills Initiative and provide current and emerging competences to reduce the carbon footprint and accelerate the use of renewable energies, new fuels and electric power.
Partners discussed the aims of the project and visited the Meyer Shipyard in Turku where currently the biggest cruise ship in the world is under construction.
Stay tuned for more information on the project!
LeaderSHIP strengthens the digitalisation and green transition of the maritime industry
The maritime industry is aiming for more sustainable solutions and seeking new kinds of solutions through digitalisation. Turku UAS develops educational pilots for the new needs of the field.
Text and photo: Mari Loikkanen
Finland is one of the world’s leading countries in shipbuilding. In the future, the maritime industry will be better equipped to meet the demands of digitalisation and the green transition.
This need is addressed in the four-year project called LeaderSHIP ─ Learning European Alliance for Digital, Environmental and Resilient Shipbuilding, coordinated by Turku UAS. The aim of the project is to respond to the new training needs of the European maritime industry and to build long-term strategic cooperation.
─ The common goal is to keep the level of the maritime industry high in Europe and to be pioneers on the global level, says Juha Valtanen, Content Director of the project and Senior Advisor at Turku UAS.
The EU-funded project involves European universities, shipyards, maritime clusters and employers’ and employees’ organisations. In addition to Turku UAS, Finnish participants include Meyer Turku and Turku Vocational Institute.
Training pilots for the needs of the industry
The LeaderSHIP project involves a wide range of development work. One objective is to design training programmes in the maritime industry and to develop training methods to increase the skills of current and future workers. In addition, various training pilots will be carried out.
─ Training pilots can, for example, respond to the wishes and competence needs of a specific shipyard. At the same time, we are creating European-level training that is suitable for everyone, Valtanen says.
In the first phase of the project, it is determined what kind of professional skills are needed to be increased. The change in the IT field and the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence have contributed to the need for changes in jobs and training in the field. Environmental regulations also add their own spice to the whole.
At the same time, there is a desire to attract more young people to the maritime industry. The sector needs more workforce when the previous generation retires.
─ The maritime industry offers diverse international careers also for people with higher education. In the future, completely new expertise will be needed in design, manufacturing, automation, autonomous systems, the utilisation of artificial intelligence and, for example, fuel storage. There is a need for a wide range of expertise, says Project Manager Suvi Kivelä from Turku UAS.
Supporting the green transition
In the early stages of the project, a survey on training and competence needs will be sent to a wide range of companies, educational institutions and stakeholders, and training pilots will be planned based on the responses. The aim is to support the green transition by reducing the carbon footprint of the sector and to accelerate the use of renewable energy sources and alternative fuels.
Digitalisation will be utilised more than before in training. In the marine industry, this means, among other things, utilising digital twins, i.e. a virtual model, in shipbuilding and optimising various processes at the shipyard. Collecting data from the ship with the help of various sensors can help, for example, to anticipate repair needs and develop remote operations. Getting real-time data from the ship also makes it possible to provide a wide range of customer support remotely.
In addition, the project will develop an EU-wide skills strategy for the maritime industry. The strategy will include measures to support the reskilling and upskilling of the workforce in shipbuilding and the maritime industry.
The project is expected to open initiatives to increase the attractiveness of the sector. The strategy considers future occupations that are likely to emerge in the coming years. This already requires action to match the supply and demand of the professions of the future.
The LeaderSHIP project has Erasmus+ funding of five million euros.
In the photo, Juha Valtanen, Suvi Kivelä and Krista Karhunen who work on the LeaderSHIP project.