Polish waterborne transport sector underlines importance of cooperation
Waterborne Technology Platform met with representatives of the Polish waterborne transport sector, to discuss the need for cooperation on RD&I concerning zero-emission, safe, digital and competitive waterborne transport
Cooperation is key to achieve the objectives of a competitive, safe, digital and zero-emission waterborne transport sector. Bringing together the experience and expertise from different European countries and aligning the research needs is thereby of utmost importance. This was one of the main conclusions of the meeting between the Waterborne Technology Platform (TP) and the Polish representatives of the waterborne transport sector in Gdansk on 26 March 2024.
The Waterborne Technology Platform (TP) is the European research and innovation platform for the waterborne industries, providing policy guidance to the European institutions regarding research, development and innovation, as well as the deployment of these innovations.
The discussions are of particular importance for the Partnership on Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport, a co-operation between the European Commission and the Waterborne Technology Platform. This Partnership aims to develop and demonstrate zero-emission solutions for all main ship types and services before 2030. The European Commission has committed to investing up to EUR 530 million from Horizon Europe towards the Partnership, and the industry has committed to over EUR three billion of investments for the period 2021 – 2030.
Eero Lehtovaara, Chair of the Board of Directors, Waterborne TP, said: “Our meeting with the representatives of the Polish waterborne transport sector provided insights in the opportunities and challenges of this EU member state with significant importance and potential in the sector. Whereas there are numerous opportunities for the Polish waterborne transport sector in the transition towards competitive, safe, digital, and zero-emission waterborne transport, further efforts in including Polish organisations in European activities should be strengthened.”
Marek Narewski, Rules Development Department Principal Specialist, Polish Register of Shipping, added: “Collaboration between researchers and industry representatives will not only be fundamental regarding RD&I for societal challenges. In addition, it will benefit the current students, which will become the future workforce of the sector, getting acquainted with new technologies and concepts. Therefore, further structured cooperation between academia and the industry will be key for the future of the sector”.
WATERBORNE TP has been set up as an industry-oriented Technology Platform to establish a continuous dialogue between all waterborne stakeholders, such as classification societies, shipbuilders, shipowners, maritime equipment manufacturers, infrastructure and service providers, universities or research institutes, and with the EU Institutions, including Member States (www.waterborne.eu). The members of Waterborne TP comprise members as well as associated members from both maritime and inland navigation countries, representing about 19 Member States. In addition, the Associations member of the Waterborne Technology Platform represent the broader waterborne sector throughout the entire EU.
Polish Register of Shipping (PRS) is an independent expert institution acting on the international safety assurance and risk management market, whose business is conducted for the benefit of the marine community. Through the formulation of the requirements, survey and publication of the appropriate documents, PRS assists State Administrations, Underwriters and the Society’s clients in ensuring the safety of people, floating objects, land undertakings, the safety of carried cargo and that of the natural environment. As ship classification Institution, PRS is IACS Member and also acts as RO based upon over 42 authorizations of Flag States.
