First European Maritime Skills Forum officially launched

On January 21, the first meeting of the European Maritime Skills Forum (E-MSF) took place in Brussels. This new forum brings together leading maritime stakeholders, including the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), members of the European Commission, DG-MOVE, and the STC-initiated Maritime Education and Training Network (MET-NET).

STC plays a key role in the establishment and further development of MET-NET. What began as a collaboration between five maritime academies has grown into a network of 21 maritime training institutions across Europe. MET-NET serves as an important discussion partner for shipowners, trade unions, and the European Union in the field of maritime education and training.

Previously, STC took a leading role in the establishment of EDINNA, a European collaboration for inland shipping education. The experience gained from this initiative is now being applied to further strengthen MET-NET and align maritime education more closely with industry needs. One of the key focus areas within MET-NET and the new forum is influencing learning outcomes and objectives within the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) convention.

During the first meeting of the European Maritime Skills Forum, knowledge was shared, and three working groups were established to focus on crucial topics:

•        New fuels – Including a connection to the Dutch Maritime Master Plan.

•        Digitalization – Researching the impact of digital innovations on maritime professions.

•        Leadership – Developing learning objectives around ‘Bullying and Harassment,’ a topic high on the agenda of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Between 2019 and late 2023, STC was the project leader of the European SkillSea project. This initiative mapped the current and future skills gaps in the maritime sector and led to recommendations that have now been incorporated into the annual plans of DG MOVE and DG Employability. Additionally, educational packages were developed for the maritime sector.

Although the SkillSea project has concluded, the involved parties recognized the need to continue collaboration. This led to the establishment of the Maritime Education and Training Network (MET-NET), where STC once again plays a connecting role.

With this new partnership, STC remains committed to ensuring the future resilience of maritime education and training in Europe.