The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) and the European Transport Workers Federation (ETF) launched the European Maritime Skills Forum.
As announced the initiative, which is officially supported by the European Commission, aims to identify skills gap emerging from the digital and green transition and discuss the shortage of maritime professionals and limited mobility between land and on-board positions.
Furthermore, the initiative builds on the outcomes of the EU-funded SkillSea project, which identified key challenges such as a shortage of maritime professionals, evolving skills demands, and the need for better cooperation among stakeholders.
The Draghi report identifies a skills gap in the European economy, highlighting that 250.000 seafarers will need to be upskilled and reskilled by the mid-2030 in Europe alone for the green and digital transition.
…said Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General, ECSA.
The Forum launched three workstreams focused on green skills, digitalisation, and leadership development, addressing issues like training for the safe use of new clean fuels, digital priorities such as cybersecurity and AI, and developing soft skills to enhance diversity, resilience, and inclusion in the sector.
By prioritising a just, human-centred approach, we can support seafarers through targeted upskilling and reskilling initiatives, leaving no one behind. This is essential to unlocking a sustainable and equitable future for maritime transport.
…said Livia Spera, General Secretary, ETF.