Sustainability shapes the future of the nautical sector
Organized by the Balearic Islands Employment Agency (SOIB), the event brought together professionals from the nautical sector to speak with students from various training programs in recreational boat maintenance. The discussions focused on how education and professionalization are key to ensuring the sustainability of this industry, and on the measures companies are taking to reduce their environmental impact.
The opening presentation was delivered by representatives from Astilleros de Mallorca, focusing on job opportunities and the emerging technologies that are revolutionizing the sector. This was followed by expert-led sessions covering topics such as offshore boat maintenance and best practices; emerging technologies and the future of electric propulsion; and nautical certifications as a foundation for a professional career. Organizations like the Cleanwave Foundation, Sail on Green, and Nostromo also participated in these sessions.
In addition to lectures and roundtable discussions, students had the opportunity to speak directly with industry professionals and ask questions about their career prospects. In the second part of the day, Jordi Carrasco, Director General of the National Association of Nautical Companies (ANEN), and Jaume Vaquer, President of the Association of Nautical Companies in the Balearic Islands (AENIB), provided an overview of the current state of the sector, both nationally and locally. They highlighted the value of the training these young people are receiving, pointing out that the nautical industry is in urgent need of skilled professionals.
“The nautical sector is waiting for you. The companies are waiting for you,” said Jaume Vaquer. “This is an innovative sector, one that continues to grow, and you’re being trained for a promising future. We hope that the skilled workforce we so desperately need can be filled through the excellent training you’re receiving,” he added.
For his part, ANEN’s Director General, Jordi Carrasco, presented data outlining the state of Spain’s nautical sector. He highlighted how the market is increasingly focusing on the refit and refurbishment of vessels and stressed the importance of obtaining nautical certifications—not only due to the shortage of skilled labor but also because “Spain is a Mediterranean hub for maintenance and refit.” He encouraged the students to study foreign languages, given the international nature of the industry.
After outlining the sector’s evolution in recent years, Carrasco highlighted how technological innovation is essential to enhancing the appeal, sustainability, and efficiency of the nautical industry. He explained that current vessel designs prioritize energy efficiency, durability, and performance. “Today, we think about the whole environmental impact of a boat—not only during its use, but also during its construction and recycling,” he said.
Regarding the decarbonization of the sector, Carrasco noted that “there is no single solution to reduce carbon emissions in recreational boating.” However, multiple alternatives are being explored, including hybrid engines, biofuels, hydrogen, and other alternative technologies and fuels. He also pointed out that recreational boating is not a major polluter, as fully decarbonizing the global fleet would only cut total carbon emissions by 0.1%.