Project Overview

Wooden Boatbuilding Heritage And Entrepreneurship: A Constructive Dialogue Between Greece And Norway

An innovative and creative initiative aimed at enhancing cultural entrepreneurship and safeguarding the centuries-old craft of traditional wooden boatbuilding in Greece and Norway—two of Europe’s foremost maritime nations. Funded by the EEA Grants, this project underscores the significance of wooden boatbuilding as an integral component of cultural heritage, formally recognised on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists of both countries.

The project is underpinned by three primary objectives:

To study and document

traditional vessels, materials, and construction techniques in Greece and Norway.

To increase public awareness

regarding the historical and cultural importance of wooden boats whilst addressing the pressing shortage of skilled craftsmen within the sector.

To foster bilateral exchanges

of boatbuilding expertise between boatbuilders, craftsmen, industry representatives, and specialised journalists in order to ensure the continuity and revival of this craft for future generations.

Key Activities include two workshops

 These workshops, alongside the launch of a contemporary digital platform, aim to generate enduring public engagement and facilitate the preservation of this invaluable maritime tradition

About the Partners

Organising Company

EuroMare

EuroMare, founded in 1994 as a non-profit company, specialises in organising international events, conferences, and exhibitions, as well as providing consultancy services. It has extensive experience in organising actions related to the sea, such as the EuroMare Forum/LIMENES, which was held from 1994 to 2000 in Piraeus, Rotterdam, and Birmingham, promoting collaborations in the field of marine technology and environmental consulting for ports but also large cultural events such as the international contemporary art exhibition Art Athina. Additionally, it has a specialised experience in cultural projects in the island Region of the Cyclades. Apart from a number of cultural initiatives in the island of Tinos, in 2020, it undertook the coordination of the organisation and management of the Gaïtis-Simossi Museum in the island of Ios, which was officially inaugurated on 14 September 2024.

For more information: www.euromare.eu

info@euromare.eu

Partner in Norway

Hardanger Maritime Centre

The Hardanger Maritime Centre, starting in 1984 with the restoration of a jakt (a traditional cargo boat dating from 1884), was established with the aim of creating a professional environment for traditional boatbuilding crafts, ensuring that both the crafts and maritime heritage remain alive. The Hardanger Maritime Centre aims to ensure that a selection of representative vessels of all types is restored according to professional principles. Apart from vessel restoration, the centre organises educational programs, events, and workshops to enhance knowledge around the art of boatbuilding.

For more information: www.fartoyvern.no

Funding and Communication Sponsors

This project is funded by the EEA Grants, which demonstrate a firm commitment to strengthening cultural connections and preserving Europe’s shared heritage. The communication sponsor of the event is Greek Fishing News, the only specialized magazine in Greece dedicated to topics concerning fishermen and professional fishing.