Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses a compilation of studies produced by academics at institutions in different countries. It focuses on the ferry services taking place in a number of different markets in Europe. The Institute for Maritime Transport and Seaborne Trade at the University of Gdansk is the premier academic institute in Eastern Europe specialising in a range of maritime studies in the Baltic Region. The book also focuses on the ferry industry mostly concerned with the enterprises in the sector, which have been responding to the recent economic, legal and financial conditions in Eastern Europe. It reviews some of the areas in which staff competence may need to be developed, and proposes a soft systems approach to defining their education and training needs in an era of change in the industry.