Orientamenti SailOr: Genoa at the Heart of Maritime Education and the Blue Economy

The thirteenth edition of Orientamenti SailOr, the national training and career guidance project held aboard GNV’s Rhapsody ferry on the Genoa–Olbia–Genoa route, concluded yesterday in the port of Genoa.

The initiative, unique of its kind in Italy, was launched in 2013 as part of the “Orientamenti” project and is promoted by the Liguria Region together with the Regional School Office, the Italian Merchant Marine Academy, the San Giorgio Nautical Institute, the Port Authority, and GNV. Its objective is to bring fourth-year high school students closer to maritime professions and the opportunities offered by the maritime sector, fostering direct knowledge of educational pathways and the skills required.

During four days of navigation, students experienced an immersive journey in close contact with the maritime working environment, taking part in workshops, career guidance activities, and hands-on laboratories led by specialized teachers and industry professionals. On board the ship, they had the opportunity to explore various professional fields, including deck operations, engine room operations, catering, restaurant/bar services, and the tourism sector, engaging directly with crew members to gain a concrete understanding of duties, responsibilities, and career prospects.

The thirteenth edition recorded significant participation, involving 230 students from 19 schools, including institutions from Liguria, other Italian regions, and two French schools. The project also involved three training organizations and provided training for 30 teachers on topics related to the maritime-port cluster and career guidance through a comprehensive program that included 27 specialized workshops.

Orientamenti SailOr therefore confirms itself as an innovative model of integration between education and the world of work, capable of offering young people a concrete and highly valuable experience, fostering the development of transversal skills and effectively guiding future professional choices.

In this context, Genoa further strengthens its role as a strategic hub for training and the development of the Blue Economy. The Ligurian capital’s port, one of the most important in the Mediterranean and the leading port in North-West Italy, represents a key node for international trade flows, as well as a terminal of the Rhine-Alpine Corridor and a connection point between Europe and global markets.

The city is also at the forefront of a dynamic ecosystem linked to the maritime economy, encompassing shipbuilding, logistics, port services, tourism, and technological innovation. Genoa also stands out as a strategic hub for digital infrastructure thanks to the presence of submarine fiber-optic cables connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, further strengthening its position within global networks.

This strong connection between education, industry, and innovation is further reflected in the major international events hosted by the city, such as the International Boat Show and the Blue Economy Summit & Trade Show, which provide opportunities for dialogue among institutions, companies, and stakeholders on the challenges of ecological transition, innovation, and infrastructure development.