Navigating the Future of Maritime Competence

Maritime Education Conference, hosted by Maritime Research Alliance and Danish Shipping. The conference put the spotlight on Research and Industry Collaboration – and the powerful impact that comes when cutting-edge academic insight meets hands-on maritime practice.

The program was filled with inspiring keynotes, sharp presentations and engaging debates. Together, we explored how education and industry not only shape each other – but also co-create the skills and competences that define the future of shipping.

This was a chance to take part in shaping tomorrow’s maritime workforce – where knowledge turns into action, and collaboration drives innovation.

Full programme :

10:00 Welcome

10:00       Allan Dan Jensen, Head Marine HR | Thomas Roslyng Olesen, Head of MRA

Opening remarks to the Maritime Education Conference 2025 framing a day dedicated to knowledge, dialogue and maritime competence development.

10:10       Why Knowledge Needs Practice | Vincent Hendricks, Dr.phil., PhD, Professor

Keynote on why research and practice must go hand in hand in education – and why this principle is vital not only in general, but also for the future of maritime training and the industry.

10:40       Future of Maritime Education | Thomas Roslyng Olesen, Head of MRA

Presentation of the latest report on higher maritime education – highlighting key trends, challenges and opportunities, and what they mean for the future skills and competitiveness of the maritime sector.

11:00       Coffee Break

11:10       Research in Action | Henrik Mikkelsen, Sr Lecturer | Agnieszka Nowinska,

Assoc. Professor

Experience how research is brought into the classroom and put into practice in the industry: from extending the life of e-ferry batteries for the green transition to turning shipping data into a goldmine for smarter teaching, management and practice.

12:10        Lunch & Networking

13:00        PhD Insights with Industry | Elma Ramic, PhD (SDU) | Oliver Riise Thomsen,

PhD (DTU)

Learn how two PhD projects, developed in close collaboration with the shipping industry, provide specialised expertise – from tackling motion sickness offshore to using data and algorithms for next-level planning at sea – with industry representatives also sharing why they chose to collaborate and the value these collaborations create.

14:00       Coffee, Tea & Cake

14:20       Shaping Tomorrow’s Competences | Panel Debate

Foundations, politicians and industry leaders will share their perspectives on how the maritime workforce of the future can best be equipped – bringing diverse viewpoints together in a dynamic debate about skills, competences and future demands.

15:00       Sparkling Wine & Networking