In 2024, BLUE PORTS launched a two-fold market survey and a stakeholders’ foresight exercise to pinpoint the skills and training needs necessary for advancing sustainability within port operations. The survey, conducted in June 2024 across four countries—Greece, Spain, Italy, and Georgia— brought together input from a diverse group of port industry stakeholders, including employers, employees, and experts within the ports sector. Through targeted questions, the survey uncovered a strong need for enhanced skills in renewable energy integration, zero-emission technologies, alternative fuels, circular economy practices, digitalization and automation in port operations amongst others, with varying levels of knowledge and skills reported across participating countries.
The foresight exercise, held during the National Technical Committee meetings in April-May 2024, explored anticipated future demands, aiming to develop a workforce equipped for the challenges of 2030. Participants identified the integration of zero-emission technologies, renewable energy systems, and digitalization as crucial future trends, necessitating a significant upskilling in management and technical staff.
With these insights, BLUE PORTS is set to design a training and certification framework that aligns with the sustainable development priorities of the port sector and prepares the blue economy workforce for a greener future.