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.

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