Slovenia joins the Waterborne Technology Platform
The University of Ljubljana recently joined the Waterborne Technology Platform, which is now representing 119 members from 21 EU Member States and four other European countries
Brussels, 03 January 2024
Located with access to the Adriatic Sea, modern cargo and passenger ports, a waterborne transport-oriented economy and education, as well as flourishing blue growth sector, Slovenia has all the ingredients of a waterborne nation. In order to provide input and collaborate with the key players in the transition to a zero-emission, digital, safe, secure and competitive waterborne sector, the University of Ljubljana recently joined the Waterborne Technology Platform.
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. Furthermore, the Waterborne TP is coordinating the private side of the Partnership on Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport with the European Commission. Currently representing 119 members, from 21 European Member States and four other European Countries, the Waterborne TP has a significant footprint in the European Union.
The University of Ljubljana is the oldest and largest university in Slovenia covering a broad spectrum of knowledge and expertise related to waterborne technologies. At the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, knowledge and skills in machine design, fuel cells, batteries, welding and mechatronics are just some of the areas of expertise. In addition, the University consist of 26 faculties and academies including a Faculty of Maritime Studies and Transport, a Biotechnical Faculty, a Faculty of Economics, a Faculty of Electrotechnics and others which all have a waterborne hook in their research programmes.
Eero Lehtovaara, Chair of the Board of Directors, Waterborne TP, said: “We welcome Slovenia as new member, since the activities of the Waterborne Technology Platform focus on the challenges and opportunities of the broader European waterborne sector. The unique characteristics of the Slovenian waterborne sector, and the wealth of knowledge available in the country will certainly contribute to shaping our future priorities, and benefit the research and innovation activities in Slovenia and across Europe”
Nikola Vukašinović, Assistant Professor, University of Ljubljana added: “Since ancient times Slovenia has been in the crossroads of main European transportation routes including river and sea borne transportation. Our preserved and fragile ecosystems on the other hand require great attention and sensibility not only locally but also on a regional and global scale. University of Ljubljana is seriously committed to solving pressing environmental and engineering challenges which affect our everyday life.”
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 21 Member States. In addition, the Associations member of the Waterborne Technology Platform represent the broader waterborne sector throughout the entire EU.
University of Ljubljana is the oldest and largest institution of higher education and scientific research in Slovenia. The university with its rich tradition was founded in 1919. It has approximately 40,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students and employs approximately 6,000 higher education teachers, researchers, assistants and administrative staff in 23 faculties and three arts academies. The central building, all three academies and faculties are located in the centre of Ljubljana. Some of the most recent and modern buildings were constructed on the outskirts, giving the university and its students a ubiquitous presence in the city.
