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