On July 4, the Italian ministries of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT), Environment and Energy Security (MASE), and Economy and Finance (MEF) signed a joint decree identifying state-owned maritime areas suitable for the development of offshore renewable infrastructure hubs — key industrial sites dedicated to the construction and pre-assembly of components for offshore wind and marine energy systems.
The decree designates Taranto and Augusta as national hubs and allocates €78.3 million 💰 to support the development of these strategic sites. This marks a major step forward in enabling the deployment of approved and pipeline offshore renewable energy projects across Italy, while strengthening the domestic value chain.
We highlight the important role of AERO – the Italian Offshore Renewable Energy Association, which brings together over 50 companies and stakeholders from across the ORE industry. On July 3, AERO hosted its 3rd National Conference, titled “Strategies and Perspectives for the Development of Offshore Renewable Energy in Italy”, at the Chamber of Deputies in Rome. The event was a key moment of dialogue between political representatives and the national offshore renewable industry.
As a proud partner of the Italian CoVE (Centre of Vocational Excellence) and the Shorewinner – Southern European Community for Offshore Wind Energy EU co-funded project, IFOA warmly thanks AERO for the opportunity to participate in this high-level strategic event.
The University of Cyprus hosted a forward-looking and collaborative event titled “BUILDING A SKILLED WORKFORCE IN OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY”, gathering educators, industry leaders and experts, students, and policymakers to co-create actionable strategies for workforce development in the growing offshore renewable energy (ORE) sector.
Held at the UCY Library “Stelios Ioannou” and streamed online, the event was structured into two interactive sessions:
The Co-Design Session (10:00–12:00) focused on identifying current gaps and opportunities across education and training systems. Key discussion areas included:
Assessing how vocational education and training (VET) and higher education (HE) programmes align with ORE industry needs
Identifying skill gaps and potential areas for industry-academia collaboration
Evaluating the effectiveness of current teaching methods, including experiential and digital learning tools
Proposing improvements to training methods to better prepare learners
Exploring student career interest and engagement with ORE pathways
Addressing preparedness gaps and the support mechanisms needed to guide students into ORE careers.
The Workshop Session (12:00–14:15) transitioned the conversation toward strategic implementation and collaboration. Key themes included:
Aligning curricula with rapidly evolving technologies and industry requirements
Addressing immediate skill gaps through flexible, targeted training approaches
Enhancing student engagement via real-world interaction with industry stakeholders
Identifying key stakeholders essential for roadmap development and implementation
Exploring types of partnerships that can support long-term collaboration
Developing strategies to engage stakeholders across sectors
Ensuring the sustainability of collaborations through institutional and policy support
The event closed with a networking session that enabled participants to forge connections and explore collaborative pathways for implementing the proposed roadmap.
By integrating insights from both academic and industry spheres, this event marked a crucial step toward equipping future professionals with the skills needed to thrive in the offshore renewable energy sector.
Never has it been more urgent to recognize the impact of mental and physical health on ourselves and on those who work alongside us. In the offshore industry, we often speak about Workplace Health and Safety, yet the conversation remains overwhelmingly focused on physical risks. We are trained to prevent falls, respond to fires, and avoid machinery accidents. And while this is crucial, the same cannot yet be said for mental health – an area where the industry still has a long way to go.
Important steps have been taken in recent years, and mental health is no longer a completely taboo subject. Yet, despite increased awareness and some progress, issues like burnout, anxiety, and even suicide remain common across the sector. This cannot continue to be seen as a marginal concern. Mental health must become a clear and collective priority across the industry.
Living and Working Offshore: A Perfect Storm for Mental Strain
The unique nature of offshore work only amplifies these concerns. Statistics show that one in six people will experience a mental health issue in the coming year – and offshore workers face even greater risks due to the specific conditions of their work. Life at sea is demanding and isolating. Workers are often stationed in remote, extreme environments for weeks at a time. They operate under rotating shifts that disrupt sleep cycles and erode the boundaries between professional and personal life. Privacy is scarce, with shared cabins and communal spaces leaving little room for rest or mental decompression. On top of that, the constant awareness of work hazards, adverse weather, and emergency risks adds an ongoing layer of tension.
We must also acknowledge the emotional toll of extended separation from family and community. Offshore work can place immense strain on relationships and personal well-being. While it may be unrealistic to expect the structure of offshore work to change dramatically – long shifts and remote locations are inherent to the job – it is entirely realistic, and absolutely necessary, to ensure that every worker is supported both professionally and emotionally.
Psychological First Aid: A Human Response to Human Struggles
So, where do we begin? Change often starts with those who are physically closest to the problem. In this case, it is the offshore workers themselves – those living and working side by side – who are best positioned to recognize distress in one another and to act. This is where Psychological First Aid (PFA) becomes vital.
Psychological First Aid is not therapy. It is a set of simple, human actions designed to reduce immediate emotional distress and help people feel safe, connected, and supported. It is about knowing how to respond when a colleague shows signs of emotional exhaustion, panic, or overwhelm. In offshore environments, where access to professional mental health services may be delayed or unavailable, PFA becomes an essential peer-to-peer safety tool.
The core principles of Psychological First Aid can be organized into six action areas: Protect, Calm, Connect, Competence, Confidence, and Care – as a foundation for supporting others through stress and crisis.
But psychological safety cannot rely solely on individual awareness. Isolation at sea makes early detection of mental health issues more difficult, which means that responsibility must be collective. Building a supportive environment depends on creating a culture where vulnerability is not seen as weakness but as strength. And that culture must be modelled from the top down.
A Call to Action: Education, Leadership, and Culture Change
Leadership plays a key role. Long-term progress depends on embedding mental health into the training and certification of all offshore professionals. Mental health awareness and PFA must become standard parts of offshore education, not optional extras. Workers need to learn how to identify emotional stressors, recognize the signs of distress and take responsible action. This includes training for managers and supervisors, who must understand how to create psychologically safe environments where people can speak up, ask for help and feel supported.
Fortunately, there are already some promising initiatives underway. A few companies are beginning to incorporate mental health into their Workplace Health and Safety programs. Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions are exploring modules that address psychological risks in high-stress jobs. Some leadership programs introduce components on emotional intelligence and peer support. But we are still far from a coherent, industry-wide culture of mental health prioritization.
For education and training institutions, the next step is clear: courses must include not only the technical and safety competencies required offshore, but also core knowledge about mental health and prevention. Collaboration between technical disciplines and psychology departments can help ensure that mental well-being is integrated across the board – from university programs to workplace inductions. In addition, research into the psychological impact of offshore work must continue to inform better policies and training models.
Companies also have a duty to act. HR departments, supervisors and team leaders must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to recognize signs of anxiety, depression and isolation. Managers must foster a culture of openness and emotional support, where mental well-being is treated with the same importance as physical safety. Dedicated mental health professionals, namely psychologists trained in prevention and crisis intervention, should be part of the workforce ecosystem, either in-house or through formal partnerships; these services must be accessible and normalized.
Ultimately, the offshore sector needs a cultural transformation. And culture does not shift overnight – it moves gradually, through education, leadership, communication and example. It moves when values are redefined, when vulnerability is accepted and when mental well-being is understood not as a private concern but as a shared responsibility.
In a challenging labour market, mental health services and education can also play a key role in attracting and retaining skilled professionals. Workers today seek more than good pay and technical training; they seek support, stability and purpose. If we want to build a resilient and future-ready offshore workforce, we must build a culture that prioritizes mental health.
So we ask ourselves: Are we truly treating our workers as our most valuable asset? Are we really doing everything we can to create safe, healthy environments offshore? And what kind of legacy do we want to leave for those who will follow?
Vulnerability is our strongest weapon—and the truest measure of courage.
Maria Miguel Rodrigues Member of the SHOREWINNER consortium Psychologist (license no. 025882 from Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses) E-mail: maria.rodrigues@inova.business
Welcome to the Second Edition of the SHOREWINNER Newsletter!
April 2025
In this second edition, we dive into the exciting developments and updates of the SHOREWINNER project, an ambitious initiative aimed at fostering the growth of the offshore renewable energy sector in Southern Europe. Learn about our recent events, objectives, and the collaborative efforts shaping the future of offshore wind energy.
Important Updates
1. Exciting News for the Offshore Wind Community: Launch of the CoP Platform!
We are thrilled to launch the SHOREWINNER – Southern European Community for Offshore Wind Energy Community of Practice (CoP) platform — a dynamic hub designed to drive Community Development & Governance in the Southern European offshore wind energy sector.
We have created an informative info sheet about the SHOREWINNER project, providing key details and objectives. Access it here: https://shorewinner.eu/info-sheet/
Events Recap
Blue Energy Summit 2025: Shaping the Future of Offshore Renewable Energy
On February 13, 2025, the Blue Energy Summit 2025, a premier event dedicated to offshore renewable energy, successfully brought together over 65 industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and academics at the Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy. This hybrid event explored the latest advancements and future opportunities in offshore energy development.
This summit marked a significant milestone as the first thematic conference of the EU-funded project SHOREWINNER, reinforcing its role in advancing offshore renewable energy through innovation, collaboration, and policy development.
– Opening Ceremony: Led by representatives from UNIVPM and P.PORTO, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions and knowledge sharing.
– Keynote Address: Lorenzo Occhineri from Fastventus Solutions LTD delivered “The Evolution of Offshore Wind Turbines: From 3 MW to 20+ MW – Scaling Up for a Sustainable Future”, emphasizing strategies to enhance offshore energy scalability and sustainability.
– Expert Discussions: Insights into Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) across Europe (Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, and Portugal), highlighting collaborative efforts to strengthen skill development and drive innovation in offshore energy.
– Industry Challenges: Discussions on workforce development, upskilling, reskilling, and mental health support, emphasizing the need for a resilient and well-prepared workforce in the blue energy sector.
The Blue Energy Summit 2025 successfully fostered critical discussions, strengthened partnerships, and set a clear agenda for the future of offshore renewable energy. As stakeholders continue to collaborate, the summit’s outcomes will play a crucial role in shaping sustainable and resilient offshore energy solutions worldwide.
Second General Assembly Meeting
On February 14, 2025, the project’s partners convened in Ancona, Italy for their 2nd General Assembly Meeting.
Meeting Highlights:
– Review of all deliverables, progress, and dissemination actions from March 2024 to February 2025.
– Updates on ongoing initiatives, upcoming tasks, and events.
– Review of the dissemination log and action plans for each partner.
– Planning for the next meeting schedule and miscellaneous agenda items.
Stay connected for more updates on SHOREWINNER’s exciting journey towards a sustainable offshore energy future!
The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) sector has a new home for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and career growth. The SHOREWINNER Platform is now live, offering professionals, students, trainees, and entrepreneurs a dedicated space to connect, learn, and thrive.
What is the SHOREWINNER Platform?
The SHOREWINNER Platform is an innovative online community designed to bring together key players in the ORE industry. Whether you are seeking career opportunities, expert insights, or business development resources, this platform serves as your go-to networking hub.
Key Features of the Platform:
SHOREWINNER Community of Practice (CoP): A dedicated space for members to engage and exchange ideas, fostering collaboration on community development and governance within the offshore wind energy sector.
Competences Platform: Access a wide range of entrepreneurial tools and startup and learning resources, industry best practices, and research materials to enhance your knowledge and professional growth.
Learning Space: Opportunities for continuous learning, skill development, and professional training tailored to the evolving needs of the ORE industry, as well as educational resources including research papers and case studies.
Collaboration Opportunities: Connect with industry experts, facilitate partnerships among SMEs, and gain support for entrepreneurship initiatives to establish or expand businesses in the ORE sector.
Exclusive job opportunities and industry insights: Stay ahead in your career with access to sector-specific job postings, expert perspectives, and the latest industry trends.
Why Join?
By becoming part of the SHOREWINNER community, you gain access to a growing network of experts and like-minded professionals across various EU countries. Engage in meaningful discussions, exchange knowledge, and leverage invaluable resources to propel your career, business, or educational journey forward.
The platform is designed to facilitate the establishment and consolidation of the SHOREWINNER Community of Practice (CoP), serving as a central hub for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration among stakeholders in the Southern European offshore wind energy sector.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect and grow within the ORE sector. Join us today!
On February 14, 2025, the project’s partners held their 2nd General Assembly Meeting.
During the meeting, partners reviewed all deliverables, progress and dissemination actions from March 2024 to February 2025.
Key discussions included updates on ongoing initiatives, upcoming tasks and events, a review of the dissemination log, action plans for each partner, and the next meeting schedule, along with miscellaneous agenda items.
On February 13, 2025, the Blue Energy Summit 2025, a premier event dedicated to offshore renewable energy, successfully brought together over 65 industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and academics at the Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy. This hybrid event explored the latest advancements and future opportunities in offshore energy development.
This summit marked a significant milestone as the first thematic conference of the EU-funded project SHOREWINNER, reinforcing its role in advancing offshore renewable energy through innovation, collaboration, and policy development.
The summit commenced with an Opening Ceremony led by representatives from UNIVPM and P.PORTO, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions and knowledge sharing.
Lorenzo Occhineri from Fastventus Solutions LTD delivered the keynote address, “The Evolution of Offshore Wind Turbines: From 3 MW to 20+ MW – Scaling Up for a Sustainable Future”, emphasizing strategies to enhance offshore energy scalability and sustainability.
Experts provided insights into Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) across Europe (Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Spain and Portugal), highlighting collaborative efforts to strengthen skill development and drive innovation in offshore energy.
The session featured an in-depth discussion on current trends and future pathways in Offshore Renewable Energy, with leading researchers and industry professionals sharing expertise on sustainable energy solutions.
A crucial industry challenge, workforce development, upskilling, reskilling, and mental health support, was also addressed, emphasizing the need for a resilient and well-prepared workforce to propel the blue energy sector forward.
The Blue Energy Summit 2025 successfully fostered critical discussions, strengthened partnerships, and set a clear agenda for the future of offshore renewable energy. As stakeholders continue to collaborate, the summit’s outcomes will play a crucial role in shaping sustainable and resilient offshore energy solutions worldwide.
Ancona, Italia. Il 21 novembre, il Centro Italiano di Eccellenza Professionale (COVE) ha ospitato l’evento di lancio del progetto SHOREWINNER, presso l'Università Politecnica delle Marche. Questo evento significativo ha rappresentato un momento chiave per la promozione del settore dell’energia eolica offshore attraverso percorsi formativi e di specializzazione.
L'evento di lancio di SHOREWINNER ha riunito un gruppo diversificato di partecipanti, tra cui esperti del settore, educatori e stakeholder, accomunati da un forte impegno verso le energie rinnovabili. La giornata è stata caratterizzata da stimolanti discussioni e presentazioni con un focus specifico sulla missione del progetto: rafforzare le competenze dei professionisti nel settore dell'energia eolica offshore, un settore attualmente in rapida espansione.
I partecipanti hanno dimostrato un forte interesse per gli obiettivi di SHOREWINNER e per il suo approccio collaborativo. L'evento ha fornito una piattaforma per condividere idee e pratiche volte a migliorare la formazione sulle energie rinnovabili, evidenziando il ruolo cruciale dei professionisti qualificati nello sviluppo delle energie rinnovabili e nel raggiungimento degli obiettivi di sostenibilità.
L'agenda ha incluso interventi di esperti leader nel settore e ha offerto numerose opportunità di networking, gettando le basi per future attività e partenariati. Le discussioni hanno sottolineato l'importanza di un impegno congiunto nel promuovere una forza lavoro qualificata, pronta ad affrontare le sfide del settore delle energie rinnovabili.
Guardando al futuro, il COVE italiano continuerà a sviluppare le attività di SHOREWINNER, puntando a rafforzare i programmi formativi e le sinergie con la comunità delle energie rinnovabili. L’obiettivo è garantire che la crescita del settore sia sostenuta da un sistema di formazione d’eccellenza, in grado di rispondere alle esigenze di un mercato in continua evoluzione.
A proposito del COVE italiano
Il COVE Italiano è impegnato nel potenziamento della formazione professionale e dell’istruzione, con un’attenzione particolare alle esigenze del settore delle energie rinnovabili. Attraverso una stretta collaborazione con esperti del settore ed enti di formazione, il COVE italiano si propone di promuovere l’eccellenza formativa e di rafforzare le competenze dei professionisti, contribuendo alla crescita di un mercato sempre più specializzato e innovativo.
Benvenuti alla prima edizione della Newsletter di SHOREWINNER!
Novembre 2024
In questa edizione, esploriamo gli emozionanti sviluppi del progetto SHOREWINNER – un’ambiziosa iniziativa volta a promuovere la crescita del settore delle energie rinnovabili offshore nel sud Europa. Scoprite i nostri eventi più recenti, gli obiettivi e gli sforzi collaborativi che plasmano il futuro dell'energia eolica offshore.
A proposito di SHOREWINNER
La Comunità Europea Meridionale per l'Energia Eolica Offshore (SHOREWINNER) si occupa di creare una Comunità di Pratica attraverso cinque Centri di Eccellenza Professionale in Portogallo, Spagna, Italia, Grecia e Cipro. Questo progetto, che si estende dal 2024 al 2028, si concentra sullo sviluppo, il miglioramento e l’aggiornamento delle competenze della forza lavoro, facilitando la condivisione di risorse e allineandosi con importanti obiettivi e priorità europee.
Ogni COVE collabora con stakeholder nazionali per fornire una formazione professionale adatta alle esigenze dell'industria locale, garantendo un robusto scambio di conoscenze e promuovendo la collaborazione multi-stakeholder.
Obiettivi e Scopi
Obiettivi Principali:
Fornire formazione professionale di alta qualità nel settore delle energie rinnovabili offshore;
Promuovere scambi tra stakeholder per favorire la condivisione delle conoscenze e lo sviluppo delle competenze a livello regionale, nazionale e transnazionale.
Obiettivi Specifici:
Sviluppare una rete collaborativa tra cinque paesi;
Innovare e migliorare la diffusione, la qualità e l'efficacia della formazione professionale.
Stato del Progetto
Mentre ci avviciniamo al nostro primo importante traguardo, i partner di SHOREWINNER stanno diligentemente creando materiali che riflettono le esigenze e le tendenze del settore delle energie rinnovabili offshore nel sud Europa. I nostri sforzi hanno incluso una caratterizzazione approfondita sia del panorama settoriale, che del contesto della formazione professionale.
Abbiamo raccolto e analizzato risposte a sondaggi somministrati a educatori, professionisti e studenti nel settore e condotto interviste mirate che hanno prodotto interessanti spunti di riflessione e raccomandazioni. Questo sforzo collaborativo ci ha permesso di identificare gap di competenze, gettando solide basi per lo sviluppo di materiali di formazione personalizzati che sosterranno i nostri prossimi obiettivi di progetto e le iniziative di miglioramento delle competenze della forza lavoro.
Eventi
Prima Assemblea Generale La nostra prima assemblea generale si è svolta il 9-10 maggio 2024 presso l'Universidade da Coruña. È stato un evento fondamentale, che ha gettato le basi per future collaborazioni. Per maggiori informazioni, clicca qui.
Riepilogo degli Eventi di Lancio
Evento di Lancio in Portogallo: Tenutosi il 20 settembre 2024 presso l'Istituto Superiore di Ingegneria di Porto, questo evento ha segnato un importante punto di partenza per il progetto SHOREWINNER. L'evento ha incluso una tavola rotonda sull'eccellenza nella formazione professionale e sull'importanza della cooperazione tra industria e enti di formazione.
Evento di Lancio a Cipro: Con il tema 'Energia per il Futuro', questo evento ibrido si è svolto presso la Camera di Commercio e Industria di Cipro, riunendo figure influenti del mondo accademico, dell'industria e della politica per discutere il futuro dell'energia eolica a Cipro. Potete trovare maggiori dettagli e discussioni qui.
Evento di Lancio in Grecia: Il 30 ottobre, l'Associazione Ellenica per l'Energia Eolica ha lanciato il progetto SHOREWINNER presso l'OTE Academy, in Grecia, con la partecipazione di diversi relatori provenienti dal mondo accademico, della politica e dell’industria. L'evento ha esplorato il potenziale dell'energia eolica offshore in Grecia, le esigenze della catena di approvvigionamento e la missione di SHOREWINNER nel sviluppare le energie rinnovabili in tutta l'Europa meridionale. Potete trovare maggiori dettagli e discussioni qui
Collaborazione Internazionale
Il team di SHOREWINNER è stato invitato dal progetto T-shore a partecipare a un evento al Parlamento Europeo di Bruxelles. Questo incontro è stato un'ottima opportunità per prendere parte a discussioni sull'energia rinnovabile offshore, scambiare idee ed esplorare potenziali opportunità di collaborazione.
Looking Forward
Mentre SHOREWINNER procede, miriamo a migliorare ulteriormente la nostra Comunità di Pratica, sviluppare curricula transnazionali e contribuire in modo innovativo al settore dell'energia offshore.
Restate sintonizzati per ulteriori aggiornamenti nella nostra prossima edizione!
Scaricate la nostra Brochure del Progetto Per saperne di più su SHOREWINNER, scaricate la nostra brochure dettagliata di progetto qui.
Grazie di far parte della nostra community. Non vediamo l'ora di contribuire insieme al cambiamento sostenibile e innovativo nel settore dell’energia eolica offshore.
Co-finanziato dall'Unione Europea. I punti di vista e le opinioni espresse sono tuttavia esclusivamente quelli degli autori e non riflettono necessariamente quelli dell'Unione Europea o dell'Agenzia esecutiva europea per l'istruzione e la cultura. Né l'Unione Europea né l'EACEA possono essere ritenute responsabili. Project Number : 101143967
