The Blueskilling Innovation project brought together its European partners, industry representatives, education and training institutions, and students in Bilbao on 10 November 2026 to share the results of three years of collaboration and discuss the future of skills development in the maritime sector.
The event, held at Bizkaia Aretoa (EHU) and organised by the Basque Maritime Cluster, marked an important milestone for Blueskilling Innovation, an Interreg Atlantic Area project aimed at strengthening skills and training opportunities in the shipbuilding and maritime technology sectors.
The day opened with welcome remarks from Sarai Blanc, General Director of the Basque Maritime Cluster, and Mikel Antón Zarragoitia, Director of External Action of the Basque Government, who highlighted the importance of European cooperation in addressing the challenges facing the blue economy.
Three years of collaboration and tangible results
Ana Mendibil, Director of Training and Employment at the Basque Maritime Cluster, presented the project’s main achievements, developed through cooperation between partners from Spain, France, Ireland and Portugal.
Key results include:
- Four regional reports identifying skills needs in the maritime sector.
- A database of universities and training institutions to support cooperation and knowledge exchange.
- Ten training courses designed to address emerging industry needs, particularly in green and digital technologies.
- Pilot training activities involving students and education providers across the Atlantic Area.
- Initiatives promoting greater female participation in the maritime sector.
Throughout the event, project partners shared their experiences and lessons learned, highlighting training activities covering renewable marine energy, hydrogen technologies, energy efficiency, cybersecurity and maritime sustainability.
Among the initiatives presented were the pilot courses delivered by VET Santurtzi and VET Blas de Lezo, which involved 131 participants in training activities related to renewable energy and hydrogen applications in the maritime sector.
Looking ahead: skills for the future blue economy
The event concluded with a participatory workshop focusing on the skills and talent needed to support the maritime industry’s green and digital transitions.
Discussions highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between companies, universities and vocational training centres, as well as the need to adapt training programmes to evolving industry demands.
As Blueskilling Innovation reaches its final stage, the partnerships and knowledge developed over the past three years provide a valuable foundation for future initiatives.
The Closing Event also opened the door to continued cooperation and potential new opportunities to build on the project’s achievements, contributing to a more competitive, innovative and sustainable maritime sector across the Atlantic Area.
