Greece's shipbuilding industry revival is hindered by a lack of qualified workforce, despite significant investments and international partnerships.
Greece aims to revive its shipbuilding industry with billions of euros in investments and international partnerships. However, according to industry experts, the main issue is not financing or technology, but rather the availability of a qualified workforce to implement these investments.
Two significant collaborations announced in Greece in recent weeks are considered a crucial turning point in the country's goal to rejuvenate its shipbuilding industry. However, experts emphasize that securing capital and technological partnerships alone will not be sufficient.
On May 29, ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group signed a cooperation agreement worth 1.35 billion euros with South Korea's Hanwha Ocean to transform the Elefsina Shipyard into a regional shipbuilding and defense industry hub under Project Trident. The signing of the agreement at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador in Athens highlighted the joint support from Greece, the U.S., and South Korea for the project.
Just four days later, at the Posidonia fair, Skaramangas Shipyard signed a memorandum of understanding with another South Korean giant, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, for the joint development of warships and coast guard platforms. The partnership aims to target the European defense market.
10,000 Employment Target
Two Greek shipyards that have been largely idle for nearly twenty years have been included in the investment plans of the world's leading shipbuilding companies.
Project Trident consists of three phases:
Increasing ship maintenance-repair and dry dock capacity with 150 million euros,
Developing port and logistics infrastructure with 200 million euros,
Establishing production lines with automation systems that can support advanced military ship programs, including submarines, with an investment of 1 billion euros.
With the completion of the project, it is aimed to create approximately 10,000 direct and indirect jobs and to contribute about 0.8% to Greece's GDP annually. Additionally, it is planned to achieve a 70% domestic added value rate in production.
The Real Issue is Human Resources
According to industry experts, the target of 70% domestic contribution requires not only financial resources but also serious workforce planning.
Experts indicate that while capital can be found quickly, qualified welders, paint coating inspectors, or ship engineers experienced in submarine projects cannot be trained in a short period.
It is noted that Greece is struggling to grow its shrinking shipbuilding sector, which has been declining for decades, while also facing a global shortage of qualified workforce.
Three Critical Gaps Stand Out
Experts point out that the labor shortage in the sector is concentrated in three main areas.
First are technical professions that require years of training, such as welders, steel fabrication specialists, pipe fitters, and sandblasting and painting personnel. It does not seem feasible for automation to replace human labor in these areas.
The second significant gap occurs in quality control processes. As shipyards grow, inspection processes become more critical than production. The number of experienced paint inspectors and class surveyors is decreasing globally.
The third gap is seen in administrative areas such as supply chain management, production planning, and project coordination. Since these positions do not require long years of shipyard experience, they present significant opportunities for bringing new human resources into the sector.
Global Competition Complicates Workforce Issues
Experts state that the personnel shortage is not unique to Greece. Many shipyards worldwide are facing similar issues due to the increase in new ship orders.
However, Greece's disadvantage lies in the fact that while trying to rebuild its shrinking shipyard sector almost from scratch, it is also facing the highest level of global workforce competition at the same time.
According to evaluations, unless strong training and employment programs are established in parallel with the Elefsina and Skaramangas projects, achieving the targeted domestic added value rate will become increasingly difficult.
Experts agree that while investments and technology transfer attract public attention, the key factor that will determine whether Greece can truly become a regional shipbuilding center will be its success in developing a qualified workforce.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
