SEA4SHORE National Event – Spain
UPC – Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
Summary of the Conference
The SEA4SHORE national dissemination event in Spain brought together maritime professionals, academics, and industry representatives to discuss the present and future of the Merchant Marine, while introducing the Erasmus+ project SEA4SHORE and its objectives.
Purpose of the Event
The event had two main objectives:
- To present the European Erasmus+ project SEA4SHORE, aimed at supporting seafarers in transitioning from sea-based careers to shore-based professions.
- To host a panel discussion on the present and future of the Merchant Marine, addressing labour conditions, safety, training, digitalisation, and career opportunities.
The organisers expressed their appreciation to the Faculty of Nautical Studies of Barcelona and the Spanish Official Merchant Marine College for hosting the event.
Speakers and Main Themes
Dr. Ismael Cogo — International Maritime Organization (IMO)
He addressed the key elements for ensuring competence and retention of seafarers, highlighting persistent challenges related to working and living conditions on board, contract duration, welfare, training disparities, and manning levels.
He emphasised that fatigue and safety issues are consequences of insufficient manning and noted ongoing IMO efforts to revise STCW, SOLAS, fatigue guidelines, and minimum manning principles.
Nereo Arán — Deputy Director for Maritime Safety (Spanish Administration)
He presented the Merchant Marine as a strategic profession for Europe, underlining the role of maritime transport in global trade, supply chains, sustainability, and future employment.
He highlighted the need for upskilling seafarers in response to digitalisation and decarbonisation, as well as European efforts to support recruitment, training, and STCW compliance.
Alejandro Pérez Pastor — Balearia
He shared insights on operational efficiency in the digital era, demonstrating how data analytics, sensors, and real-time decision systems are used to optimise fleet performance, reduce fuel consumption, and improve financial outcomes.
He stressed that future maritime professionals must combine technical expertise with digital skills and business understanding.
Nuria Blanco — Technical Director, Ship Repair Company
She provided an optimistic vision for maritime careers, highlighting how nautical education prepares professionals for leadership, technical responsibility, and systems thinking.
She underlined the importance of continuous learning in response to new fuels, automation, environmental regulations, and global labour shortages.
Introduction of the SEA4SHORE Project
A dedicated presentation introduced the SEA4SHORE Erasmus+ project, explaining its objective to support seafarers transitioning ashore by identifying over 125 shore-based professions where maritime expertise is valuable and by offering guidance based on individual skills and competencies.
Audience Intervention
Participants raised concerns regarding education costs, limited access to sea-time for cadets, labour market difficulties, and welfare conditions. Speakers acknowledged these challenges and confirmed their relevance across the sector.
General Conclusions
The conference concluded that the maritime sector is undergoing rapid transformation driven by digitalisation, decarbonisation, and logistics demands. While shortages of qualified seafarers persist, retaining European talent remains a key challenge.
Improving working conditions, embracing continuous training, and supporting career mobility between sea and shore were identified as essential priorities.
Overall Message: The Merchant Marine remains strategically vital for Europe, but its future depends on better treatment of seafarers, modernised training, digital and environmental competencies, and strong support for transitions between sea and shore. The SEA4SHORE initiative aims to contribute directly to this transformation.