by InTrieste
On Tuesday, May 14th, the Museum of the Sea will host the prestigious international conference, Next Maritime Technology Day 2024, aimed at exploring forthcoming innovations in maritime technologies. Organized by the Maritime Technology Cluster-mareFVG, the event promises to draw industry leaders, both large and small enterprises, operating within shipbuilding, port logistics, marine robotics, and yachting sectors.
The focal point of the event lies in fostering dialogue between companies and the research community, with a keen eye on bolstering territorial competitiveness through technological advancements. With its seventh edition, Next Maritime Technology Day unveils a fresh and innovative format, crafted through a tight-knit collaboration between the regional cluster, companies, and universities. Together, they strive to unveil cutting-edge technologies addressing decarbonization and digitalization for maritime sustainability.
Notably, this year marks the event’s international debut, featuring an esteemed delegation from the Croatian Maritime Cluster MARINN. The overwhelming interest in the conference is evident in the swift “sold out” status, with over 50 companies, 22 research groups, and 122 professionals already registered.
Beyond being a platform for showcasing expertise, the event serves as a launchpad for collaborative innovation projects. Noteworthy collaborations have emerged from previous editions, with nine innovation projects initiated, seven of which are in the pipeline for funding.
Distinguished participants include regional universities, the National Research Council, regional Scientific Technological Poles, and RINA, alongside international counterparts such as Delft University of Technology, University of Zagreb, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and University of Parma.
The program boasts a plenary session exploring the prospects of the maritime industry, followed by four thematic workshops, each delving into specific technological frontiers and research applications. Discussions range from digitalization in ship design and management to sustainable materials and energy production aboard vessels.
The event also plays a pivotal role in advancing the Green Marine Med project, aimed at decarbonizing and innovating the maritime sector in the Mediterranean. Funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, the project finds alignment with the conference’s overarching themes.
Next Maritime Technology Day 2024 is integral to the MAREinFVG festival, a biennial celebration of the sea’s multidimensional significance, curated by mareFVG. The festival, spanning May 6th to 19th, offers a diverse program, encompassing science, art, sports, and environmental awareness activities, further enriching public understanding of maritime ecosystems and economies.
As the event unfolds, it underscores the pivotal role of collaborative platforms in driving innovation and enhancing regional competitiveness in maritime sectors. In the words of Lucio Sabbadini, CEO of mareFVG, “Next Maritime Technology Day serves as a nexus for catalyzing collaborative projects between businesses and the scientific community, nurturing ideas into actionable research and innovation endeavors.”
