The Catapult Center for Sustainable Energy and Maritime CleanTech have mapped the skills gap in the industry to be able to implement the green turnaround in shipping.
The feedback from the maritime industry is that they need competence development on zero-emission fuels and emission-reducing technologies. The industry is also aware that there will be a need for new competence in companies in the coming years.
– The shipping industry in Norway is undergoing a transformation. The need to acquire knowledge about new and emission-free technologies is great. It is therefore important that companies equip themselves and acquire new know-how to develop and deploy new solutions in the context of the energy transition we are facing, says Hege Økland, CEO of Maritime CleanTech.
The report also provides concrete indications on how educational institutions can change course to help the industry through the green transition.
– Together with industry, we have built a world-leading test infrastructure around marine restructuring. Educational institutions need to take advantage of this, not least benefiting from the expertise of our test centers. It will help ensure relevant and practical educational courses that are updated at all times, says Willie Wågen, Managing Director of the Sustainable Energy Catapult Center.
Key findings
- Technology and equipment suppliers report a greater need to develop expertise in new areas such as innovation, sustainable solutions, and new fuels.
- Ship design and engineering lacks holistic thinking for the entire value chain, so solutions are developed in context, not just for one ship or solution.
- Until the technology is delivered, shipowners and ship operators are waiting to see what expertise they will acquire.
- All disciplines are looking to strengthen expertise in sustainability, sustainability goals, environmental aspects of operations, and how the business is operated or developed.
Different needs
The report also notes that the need for expertise varies in different parts of the organizations.
Operational and technical staff need specific expertise to implement new solutions.
Administrative functions and management need more general knowledge about sustainability and emissions reduction to ensure that good solutions are turned around and enabled.
Thorough research
Sustainable Energy and Maritime CleanTech were prepared with the support of the Vestland County community. Close dialogue with stakeholders in the Energiomstilling Vest knowledge cluster is our guiding principle for the project.
The surveys were conducted through quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Respondents included shipping lines, ship owners, equipment suppliers, ship designers, energy companies, service providers, and companies developing technical solutions for the use of new fuels.
