WTP: Clarity in communication is essential to igniting innovation in the waterborne

In an exclusive interview to SAFETY4SEA, Jaap Gebraad, Secretary General of the Waterborne Technology Platform (WTP), emphasizes the importance of improved communication within the sector. He highlights the necessity of using clear and precise terminology to ensure effective messaging and broader understanding. In this regard, the term ‘waterborne sector’ is consistently used to encompass all stakeholders, both public and private, reflecting the sector’s diverse and dynamic nature.

Jaap discusses how their Technology Platform can drive innovation to achieve zero-emission waterborne transport before 2050 by fostering collaboration. As he points out, this is key to supporting further research, development, and innovation, with the ultimate goal of ensuring a resilient, competitive, and sustainable future

SAFETY4SEA: Tell us a few words about the Waterborne Technology Platform. Why is this concept vital for achieving the objectives of the Waterborne sector?

Jaap Gebraad: The key activity of the Waterborne Technology Platform (TP) is providing policy guidance regarding research, development and innovation, and to a certain extend deployment of innovations, towards the European institutions. To do so, the platform defines the research needs of the broader European waterborne sector, in the context of forward-looking exercises (e.g. with a timeline of 2040 or 2050). In addition, since 2021, the Waterborne TP is coordinating the private side of a so-called Co-Programmed Partnership on Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT) in the context of Horizon Europe. This Partnership, a cooperation between different European Commission Services and the Waterborne TP, will provide and demonstrate zero-emission solutions for all main ship types and services before 2030, to enable zero-emission waterborne transport before 2050. Research, development and innovation, and its deployment are key to achieve policy objectives, whether it concerns environmental targets, safety or any other aspect of the transition to a resilient, competitive and sustainable future.

S4S: What challenges do you foresee in achieving a resilient, competitive and sustainable European waterborne sector?

J.G.: The European waterborne sector consists of classification societies, shipbuilders, shipowners (both maritime and inland navigation), equipment manufacturers, ports, infrastructure and service providers (e.g. dredging), universities and research institutes. All segments of the European waterborne sector play a key role, and the functioning of the entire sector is pivotal to ensure that it remains a global leader and offers quality jobs. First, significant further research is needed to develop and demonstrate competitive solutions to mitigate climate change, providing the capability to become climate resilient, eliminate all harmful pollutants, improving working conditions and creating new jobs, and stimulating a resilient, competitive and prosperous future. Second, these solutions need to be deployed. Although both offer opportunities for the sector, we need to be aware of the limited timeframe to be able to deploy solutions by 2050 latest, and thereby jointly increase our efforts.

S4S: How does the Partnership on Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport fit into the broader European Green Deal and sustainability goals?

J.G.: The European Green Deal is at the core of the activities of the ZEWT Partnership. The Partnership will provide and demonstrate zero-emission solutions for all main ship types and services before 2030, which will enable zero-emission waterborne transport before 2050. These solutions are not only focused on eliminating Greenhouse gas emissions, but also at minimizing air pollution as well as eliminating pollution to water (including underwater noise).

S4S: How do you ensure mutual trust and mutual understanding among the diverse actors within the European waterborne sector?

J.G.: First, the 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, ports, universities or research institutes, and with the EU Institutions, including EU Member States. We currently represent over 120 members from 18 EU Member States and four European countries associated with Horizon Europe. The definition of our long-term mission and vision, as well as our strategic research and innovation agendas, is based on a bottom-up approach with our members. In addition, we have several outreach activities, like Board meetings at different locations in Europe, to increase interaction with the different representatives of the European waterborne sector. Furthermore, the public-private partnership on zero-emission waterborne transport is recognized for its co-creation process, not only involving members of the Waterborne TP, but also collaborating with the different European Commission Service simultaneously. This, combined with a lean management and governance structure lays the foundation for trust and mutual understanding.

S4S: With the energy transition and changing technologies in shipping, where do industry stakeholders need to focus on to support the maritime workforce?

J.G.: The development of new technologies needs to be supported with measures to produce and/or implement these technologies. Thereby, linking technology development to upskilling will be essential. The industry has already taken quite some initiatives, and it will be essential that future European initiatives combine the development of technologies with measures to support deployment, including skills development.

S4S: If you could change one thing across the industry from your perspective, what would it be and why?

J.G.: Communicate more. Our sector is often being seen as conservative, however, in my opinion, we are earlier introvert. In the context of the Partnership on Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport, the European Commission is investing up to € 530 million via Horizon Europe, whereas the sector is investing € 3.3 billion in the same period. In order to communicate, we need clear and precise terminology and definitions. For instance, we use the term ‘waterborne sector’ consistently, since it encompasses all stakeholders, both public and private. Second, in the storyline, we should emphasise the characteristics of the sector. The waterborne sector is dynamic, featuring a diverse array of public and private stakeholders. These stakeholders range from classification societies, shipbuilders, and shipowners (both maritime and inland navigation) to equipment manufacturers, ports, infrastructure and service providers (e.g. dredging), as well as universities and research institutes. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) form the largest part of the EU waterborne sector and play a crucial role in the sector and the European economy. The various stakeholder groups offer a wide range of services, trades and products. For example, the global fleet can be categorized by different ship types and services, classified according to power requirements and autonomy. These categories include inland waterway transport vessels, ferries, short sea, cruise, intercontinental and offshore ships. Further distinctions must be made between liner and tramp shipping and their business models, as well as between retrofitting existing vessels and building new ones. What is known for people working in the sector, is not necessarily known for people lesser familiar with the sector.

S4S: Looking ahead, what are the key milestones the Waterborne Technology Platform hopes to achieve in the next five years?

J.G.: Currently, the Partnership on zero-emission waterborne transport is one of our key activities. To be able to achieve a resilient, competitive and sustainable future, further research, development and innovation, both privately and publicly financed, is essential. As the European Union is currently drafting its programmes and budgets for the next period (starting in 2028), a dedicated research, development and innovation initiative for the European waterborne sector is key. An initial screening suggests the further development of zero-emission, however, equally important is a joint approach towards digitalization and further activities as regards capability and capacity to manufacture and produce. And all of this should be linked to an increased deployment of innovations.

S4S: What is your key message towards the European waterborne sector for building a resilient and sustainable future?

J.G.: Continue the cooperation within the waterborne sector. All the different segments of the sector are highly interdependent, and we can achieve our objectives only if we act jointly.

The views presented are only those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.

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