We’re helping to green the boatbuilding sector by training a new generation of skilled professionals and linking them with medium-sized companies and start-ups that are adopting sustainable practices.
THE OBJECTIVES
Our goal is to make the construction and repair of pleasure boats more environmentally friendly.
To do this, we’ll support the development of a new generation of skilled workers in shipyards and repair companies, equipped to apply sustainable solutions.
01
We’re developing a Deep Tech materials course for VET, focused on their application, along with a Train the Trainers program to support implementation.
02
Carrying out an in-depth analysis of skills gaps, with results aligned to ESCO and informed by the new EU Green Taxonomy.
03
Empowering future eco-nautical professionals to turn sustainable materials and circular practices into business opportunities—building resilience along the way.
04
Hands-on traineeship program connecting students, deep-tech research, and sustainable boatbuilders to drive the Green Tech wave in the nautical sector.
Europe’s boating industry is a thriving and competitive sector, contributing significantly to the economy with over 6.5 million boats in its waters. Comprising around 32,000 companies and employing more than 280,000 people, the sector faces a major sustainability challenge: the widespread use of approximately 72,000 tons of non-recyclable materials in boat construction. To reduce environmental impact, there’s a growing need for innovative recycling solutions and the adoption of sustainable fibers and resins in boatbuilding.
THE WORKPACKAGES
Identification of skills gaps between traditional and disruptive technologies
It identifies green skills gaps in boatbuilding, focusing on deep-tech materials across their lifecycle
Development of skills training for skills gaps in the nautical industry
It focuses on designing an EQF-aligned VET course on deep-tech materials across their full lifecycle.
Transfer of Knowledge from Companies trainers and Professors to VET teachers
The objective is training VET trainers in the topic of deep-tech materials in the boat building sector.
Traineeship for HE students in Eco Boating companies
It will design an innovative Traineeship programme for Higher Education Students that incorporates a “Hands-on” approach from VET
Exploitation and Sustainability
It ensures long-term use and sustainability of project tools, promotes their adoption across Europe,
As the nautical industry shifts toward more sustainable practices, there is a growing need for professionals skilled in using eco-friendly composite materials. This transition—from traditional, non-recyclable materials to greener alternatives—requires new knowledge and technical expertise. Our project addresses this need by training a new generation of deep-tech talent with the skills to source, apply, and manage sustainable materials throughout their lifecycle.
Project Resources & Downloads
Whether you’re an educator, student, company, or policymaker, these resources are designed to support knowledge transfer, vocational education, and the transition to a greener nautical sector across Europe.
Download. Learn. Apply.
This report identifies emerging green skills essential for sustainable boatbuilding and aligns them with the ESCO competency framework.
This report offers an in-depth analysis of EU-funded projects dedicated to advancing green and blue skills in the shipbuilding industry.
Selection of innovative boatbuilding training programs, highlighting some of the most inspiring and forward-thinking approaches
In depth study of the current state of the boatbuilding sector by evaluating the curricula of
existing training programmes across Europe.
Learn about advanced materials and how they are transforming the boatbuilding industry with their innovative ropperties and
applications.
Join the Green Shift in Nautical Innovation
Explore how our project is building the next generation of deep-tech professionals for a sustainable boatbuilding industry.
Visit the project website to learn more, access resources, and get involved
