The Wooden Boatbuilding Heritage and Entrepreneurship project is an innovative cross-cultural initiative that brings together Greece and Norway—two countries deeply connected to the sea and renowned for their maritime traditions. Co-funded by the EEA Grants, the project highlights the centuries-old craft of traditional wooden boatbuilding, officially recognised on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists of both nations.
With an approach that blends heritage preservation, knowledge exchange, and cultural entrepreneurship, the project seeks not only to safeguard this unique craft but also to create new pathways for its revival in contemporary society.
Our vision
Traditional wooden boatbuilding is more than a technique—it is a living archive of skills, stories, craftsmanship and community identity. Today, the survival of this art faces significant challenges, including the scarcity of specialised craftsmen and the limited exposure of the sector to younger generations.
This project responds to these challenges by promoting sustainable opportunities for transmission, collaboration and public engagement.
Project objectives
1. Study and documentation
To systematically record traditional vessels, raw materials and construction techniques in both Greece and Norway, ensuring that this maritime knowledge is preserved and made accessible for future generations.
2. Public awareness and engagement
To increase understanding of the cultural and historical significance of wooden boats. A key priority is addressing the urgent shortage of trained craftsmen by inspiring new talent and highlighting opportunities within the sector.
3. Bilateral exchange and capacity building
To facilitate meaningful knowledge-sharing between boatbuilders, carpenters, maritime heritage professionals, industry stakeholders and specialised journalists. Through hands-on交流 and peer learning, the project strengthens the continuity and visibility of traditional boatbuilding.
Key activities
Workshops in Greece and Norway
Two specialised workshops bring together experts, practitioners and cultural heritage actors to exchange techniques, reflect on current challenges and explore new models of maritime craftsmanship.
Workshop in Syros, Greece
12–14 December 2024
Hosted on one of Greece’s historic boatbuilding islands, the workshop focuses on field documentation, craftsmanship demonstrations and dialogue with local communities.
Workshop in Bergen, Norway
20–21 January 2025
Set within Norway’s maritime heritage environment, the workshop deepens comparative knowledge, with emphasis on Nordic construction techniques and contemporary challenges.
Digital platform
A modern, user-friendly digital platform will be launched to showcase research results, archival material and multimedia content. It will serve as a long-term resource for professionals, educators, cultural organisations and the wider public, promoting continuous engagement with this unique maritime heritage.
A legacy for the future
By connecting two seafaring nations through shared craftsmanship, the Wooden Boatbuilding Heritage and Entrepreneurship project not only preserves an invaluable tradition but also cultivates new forms of cultural innovation. It ensures that the art of wooden boatbuilding remains vibrant, relevant and accessible—an enduring legacy for generations to come.
