SKILLSEA

The European SkillSea project was implemented under Key Action 2 (Sector Skills Alliances) of the Erasmus+ program, which co-funded it, with the aim of developing a sustainable skills strategy for maritime and related activities, both at sea and on land.

Technology and digital transformation are revolutionizing the shipping industry. "Smart ships" are ushering in a highly innovative era, creating demand for a new generation of highly skilled maritime professionals. Europe has traditionally been a global source of maritime expertise, and the SkillSea project aimed to ensure that European maritime professionals possess essential digital, green, and soft skills to navigate the rapidly changing maritime labor market. SkillSea sought not only to develop a sustainable skills strategy for European maritime professionals, but also to increase the number of such professionals, thereby enhancing both the efficiency and safety of this important sector. The project began in January 2019 and was successfully completed in June 2023.

The main objectives of the project included:

-Analysis of the impact of technological advancements on shipping.

-Better alignment of the skills and objectives of maritime professionals’ education and training with the evolving needs of the industry.

-Overcoming barriers to the mobility of shipping professionals.

-Improving cooperation and synergies among educational institutions, maritime authorities, and the industry.

-Ensuring that Europe maintains a global leadership position in maritime skills and expertise to improve competitiveness.

A research consortium was formed to implement the SkillSea project, comprising the European Community of Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), as well as twenty-seven (27) partners (national maritime authorities, shipping companies, maritime training providers) from 16 European countries.

The Eugenides Foundation participated as the lead partner for Work Package 3 [WP3] and was responsible for developing the general guidelines for the SkillSea strategic framework on maritime skills.

For more information, please visit the project's official website: www.skillsea.eu or contact us by email at: projects@eef.edu.gr