WEGEMT visited the Merchant Marine Academy of Kalymnos in Greece, on the 31st January 2020.

Dr. Ioannis Ergas (Research Director at WEGEMT) passed a warm message of encouragement from WEGEMT’s Chairman (Prof. Peilin Zhou) and Secretary General (Mr. George Smyrnakis) to the students of the Academy. Then, he informed the prospective officers of the Greek merchant navy, their instructors and other members of staff about the key European research projects in which WEGEMT is currently involved (MATES, TRAVISIONS2020, IMPRESSIVE, BE OPEN, SKILLFUL, DRIVE2THEFUTURE, MarLEM) and highlighted the importance of new technologies in the future of the European maritime sector and education.

The main part of the visit was dedicated to a presentation on “The main drivers of change in the maritime industry, the skills required in an increasingly digital, green and knowledge driven economy and the attractiveness and future of the maritime careers in Europe”, where Dr. Ergas elaborated on the future landscape of jobs and skills with respect to the rapid development of new technologies in the maritime sector. The audience showed vast interest on the subject topic and actively participated in a subsequent discussion session.

The island of Kalymnos has a reach history, bonded with the sea since the ancient times. The Kalymnians are known for their exceptional skills as seafarers and boat builders, and they are also formidable sponge divers.