Maritime Logistics Research Center sets its sights on Arctic shipping
The Maritime Logistics Research Center is turning its attention to the north. Its new focus on Arctic shipping will bring winter navigation, sustainable development, and technological innovation to the forefront of its research.
The change is a natural continuation of Satakunta's strong tradition of shipping and shipbuilding. Ships and offshore structures have been built in Rauma and Pori for decades, and the province's ports account for a larger share of Finland's foreign trade than their size would suggest.
Arctic shipping challenges us to think about logistics in a new way. Winter conditions, sustainable development requirements, and technological innovations go hand in hand. We want to be involved in ensuring that Finnish expertise maintains its position on these demanding routes," explains Katri-Piia Rajala, Head of Research at the Maritime Logistics Research Center.
One of the first concrete steps in this new direction is the WINMOS III project, which is developing safe winter navigation in the Baltic Sea region. In this EU-funded project, Finland, Sweden, and Estonia are renewing their icebreaking capacity and strengthening cooperation between the countries. SAMK and Winnova are contributing their educational expertise by jointly developing new content and programs to ensure expertise in the icy waters of the future.
– On the first day of the kick-off event, we discussed the work package that we are producing for the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency as a subcontractor," says WINMOS project manager Marko Löytökorpi.
A visit to the port and shipyard in Rauma concretizes the research center's new direction. At the shipyard, the challenges and opportunities of Arctic shipping are evident in the way history, expertise, and modern technology are intertwined.
The new strategic direction is not just about research. It is a commitment to sustainable growth, international cooperation, and strengthening security of supply.
– The Maritime Logistics Research Center acts as a strong bridge builder between regional expertise, research, and practical needs. We bring together companies, authorities, and education so that research does not remain in reports but is transformed into concrete solutions that serve the entire maritime cluster," summarizes Chief Researcher Minna Keinänen-Toivola.
The Maritime Logistics Research Center wants to be an active innovator and partner that works with the maritime cluster to build safer and more sustainable shipping.
