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.
VET students gain knowledge of sustainable shipbuilding
How does the maritime industry actually work with sustainable shipbuilding? That was the main question when 75 vocational students from Herøy and Haram upper secondary schools in Møre and Romsdal, Norway left the classroom and headed to local shipyards to learn firsthand.
The short pilot course, “Introduction to sustainable shipbuilding”, took place at the two esteemed shipyards Green Yard Kleven in Ulsteinvik and Vard Søviknes. The course provided students with valuable insights into the shipbuilding sector in Møre og Romsdal, and why companies take sustainability seriously.
“It’s been both fun and interesting to visit these shipyards—not just to see what they do, but also to hear why they are so environmentally conscious,” said students Karl Inge Yri Brandal and Adomas Gedaudas. They are both enrolled in the first year of the Technology and Industrial Production program at Herøy Upper Secondary School. This education path can quickly lead to apprenticeships and careers in the maritime industry.
“This has been an educational experience for the students. They’ve gained firsthand knowledge of how and why some of our leading maritime companies work with sustainability. We’re very grateful that these companies welcome us and help students gain a deeper professional understanding,” said Håkon Sæterøy, principal at Haram Upper Secondary School.
Sustainability in the Curriculum
Through a recent education reform in Norway, sustainable development became a cross-cutting theme in all vocational subjects. The goal is to raise awareness among students about reducing environmental footprints and the connection between sustainability and technological development.
“It’s important that students see sustainability as more than just a concept—it’s something companies actively work on and see opportunities in,” said Sæterøy.
The phrase “Sustainability is our business model” was the opening slide during the students’ visit to Green Yard Kleven in Ulsteinvik in late March. Green Yard Kleven is a lifecycle shipyard offering a wide range of services with a strong focus on sustainability—not only in industrial production but also in economic and social aspects. During the visit, students got to see and hear what a lifecycle shipyard really looks like.
Offshore Wind and Future Fuels
A week later, the students visited Vard’s shipyard in Søviknes. Here, they learned about the shipbuilders’ thoughts on environmental emissions and future fuel choices. Representatives from Ålesund-based Norwind Offshore were also present. The company is heavily investing in offshore wind and has commissioned several vessels from Vard. In addition to presentations, students toured the NB 973, a vessel currently under construction for Purus.
“It’s been an exciting program, especially getting to be on board the ship,” said students Ask Korsnes and Live Tysnes from Haram Upper Secondary School.
They said they learned a lot during the visits, including the importance of having a maritime cluster where companies collaborate. While they were still unsure about a future career in shipbuilding, the program clearly showcased a forward-looking industry.
Feedback and evaluation shows a high degree of satisfaction among the students, including their improved knowledge about sustainable shipbuilding.
Erasmus+ Project
The pilot course is part of the Erasmus+ project LeaderSHIP, in which Møre and Romsdal County Council participates. The project involves 19 partners from eight European countries working together to develop future competencies for tomorrow’s shipbuilders. Digitalization and green transition are central themes, with Maritim Forening Søre Sunnmøre (Mafoss) representing maritime companies in Møre and Romsdal.
“Collaboration between education and industry is crucial to meet future competence needs. We know we’ll need many qualified professionals in the region in the coming years, especially in the maritime sector. Erasmus+ LeaderSHIP and the course the students participated in provide deeper professional understanding of where the industry is heading. It also helps strengthen recruitment,” said Jan Thormodsæter, CEO of Mafoss.
photo credits: Adrian Hildre
Empowering the Future of Maritime Talent through the LeaderSHIP4Skills Project!
On June 19th, BASQUE MARITIME CLUSTER held its Annual General Assembly, gathering over 120 industrial and institutional representatives from across the Basque Country to reflect on the state of the maritime industry and its strategic direction.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the Erasmus+ LeaderSHIP Project, a major initiative in which Basque Maritime Cluster is actively involved. This initiative is a cornerstone of the Cluster’s commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the maritime sector.
➡️ In addition, Basque Maritime Cluster continues to play an active role in shaping the new European Maritime Industrial Strategy, contributing to forums and workshops aimed at boosting the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of Europe’s maritime manufacturing and technology sectors.
We’re proud to be part of this transformative journey, regionally and across Europe.
Successful Training Session on Alternative Fuels in Maritime Transport
Understanding the properties, advantages and challenges of new marine fuels is increasingly important for maritime professionals. Turku UAS’s online course offered an introduction to alternative fuels and it was received with enthusiasm.
73 shipbuilding professionals attended a training session on alternative fuels in maritime transport hosted by Turku University of Applied Sciences (Turku UAS).
The online course, delivered in Finnish, offered a comprehensive introduction to alternative fuels that are emerging as key solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry. As global environmental regulations become more stringent and the sector embraces sustainable practices, understanding the properties, advantages, and challenges of new marine fuels is increasingly important for maritime professionals.
The successful 4-hour training was given by Turku UAS’ Naval Architecture teacher PhD Jari Lahtinen in May-June 2025.
“It was a surprise for me that so many shipbuilding professionals participated these Teams-sessions. The participants were mainly from Meyer Turku Ltd, all eager to learn about the latest advancements in sustainable marine fuels”, says Jari Lahtinen.
Cross-section of the topic
The training provided a comprehensive overview of alternative fuels, including hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, biofuels, and even touched on nuclear power and wind assistance for ships. Participants explored the properties, benefits, and challenges associated with these fuels, gaining valuable insights into fuel storage, safety, and environmental impact.
“The course covered critical topics including fuel storage, safety considerations, environmental impacts, and the latest technological developments—equipping learners with the knowledge needed to navigate the future of sustainable shipping”, Jari Lahtinen says.
Feedback from the attendees was positive. Many praised the depth of knowledge shared by Dr. Lahtinen and appreciated the online format of the session. The course was particularly noted for its practical approach, offering brief overview of real-world applications and future developments in marine fuel technology.
“The training session marks a significant step towards equipping maritime professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving themes of marine fuels, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and contributing to a sustainable future”, Jari Lahtinen summarises.
Implementing Practical Quality and Risk Management for Collaborative Impact
Authors: Emilie Descheemaecker, Philippe Buffe de Mornas and Marion Leclerc
Campus for Vocational Education and Training specialized in Maritime economy – University of Toulon (France)
When embarking on the project “LeaderSHIP 4 Skills”, the team from the Center for Vocational Education and Training hosted by the University of Toulon chose to implement a tailored approach to quality and risk management (Q&R management).
“LeaderSHIP 4 Skills” brings together 19 partners across 8 European countries over the course of 4 academic years, working on the evolution of the training offer in the shipbuilding and maritime sectors. A project of this scale clearly requires a unique, flexible and responsive Q&R management system.
Our approach is based on the core principle that quality and risk management is an essential part of the project coordination. It contributes directly to the delivery of activities and results that support the project’s overall objectives. The Q&R management system thus serves as a toolbox made available to the partners, enabling them to guide decisions and actions in a structured and informed manner.
As in any context, the quality manager’s top priority is to foster engagement and active participation in the Q&R system. To achieve this, we focus on building meaningful bridges between theoretical frameworks and their practical application within the project.
The best way to engage partners is to constantly demonstrate and apply best practices as much as possible in the implantation of the Q&R management system. Each presentation is carefully crafted with this central question in mind: How can we present this topic in a way that highlights the current challenges or progress without losing the audience’s attention?
When we invite our partners to engage with specific quality-related subjects, such as processes design or KPIs (key performance indicators), we begin by clearly explaining the concepts and illustrating how they contribute to optimizing the overall project execution. European quality standards are put in their proper context, integrated meaningfully within the broader system, and used to support the elaboration of an effective training offer.
Moreover, the role of the quality manager provides a comprehensive perspective on the project. It is thus our responsibility to bring clarity to our partners, by offering well-structured analyses of the data collected through the Q&R management system and translating those insights into actionable recommendations for continuous improvement.
This practical approach to quality and risk management has been well received by our partners. As a result, we collectively agreed to turn this experience into a dedicated training module to the benefit of the shipbuilding sector.
As a conclusion, throughout the “LeaderSHIP 4 Skills” project, our commitment to a pragmatic and engaging approach to quality and risk management has proven both effective and appreciated. By prioritizing clarity, participation, and practical relevance, we have succeeded in embedding Q&R practices into the project’s daily operations, rather than treating them as abstract obligations. While challenges remain, the collaboration and momentum established so far provide a strong platform for the work still to come.
Transnational meeting in Bilbao!
4th Transnational Meeting of the Erasmus+ KA2 LeaderSHIP Project in Bilbao!
The Basque Maritime Cluster is hosting the fourth transnational meeting of the LeaderSHIP – Skills of Tomorrow in the European Maritime Sector project on June 10–11 in the city of Bilbao, Spain!
This key event is organized by the University of Deusto, BASQUE MARITIME CLUSTER & Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea
For two days, partners from across Europe are gathering to:
Present the results of the Report on Upskilling and Reskilling in the maritime sector (WP2)
Dive deep into WP3 (Curricula Design) and WP4 (Training Provision)
and much more....!
The aim of the Report on upskilling and re-skilling in the maritime sector is to design and implement post-secondary and tertiary training for upskilling and reskilling current and future workers in key areas to support the maritime technology industry in meeting the targets of digitalisation and green transition.
Together, we are shaping the future of maritime education and training to meet the evolving needs of the industry and empower the next generation of maritime professionals.