Over the last decade, the European maritime technology sector evolved

The European maritime technology sector is innovation-driven industry that encompasses both enterprises involved in the design, construction, maintenance and repair of the most complex and technologically advanced ships, and marine equipment. The sector employs over 900,000 people directly and indirectly and generates an annual turnover of € 91 billion. For Europe, it is one of the sectors with the highest investment intensity in Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) activities.

Over the last decade, the European maritime technology sector evolved towards the building and repairing of the most complex and technologically advanced ships, as well as the design of sophisticated technologies and equipment. These complexities require expertise and know-how that today can only be found in Europe. Given the importance of the sector, it is of utmost importance for Europe to retain its competence and skilled people so as to remain competitive versus its global competitors.