“What is the Port of Your Life?” Highlighted the First Day of Port Days 2025
Kokkola, September 18–19, 2025 – Port Days 2025 brought together port industry experts from all over Finland in Kokkola to discuss the smooth flow of logistics, the opportunities offered by digitalization, and the green transition in the industry. The program was diverse: there were presentations on the impacts of economics and geopolitics, discussions on partnerships and security, and practical examples of new solutions were shared. The daytime program was held at Kokkola City Hall, and the evening culminated in an atmospheric dinner at the Snellmann Music Center.
The Maritime Logistics Research Centre was represented by Chief Researcher Minna Keinänen-Toivola, Head of Research Katri-Piia Rajala, and Sustainable Flow Project Manager Mika Lindfors. Keinänen-Toivola moderated Thursday afternoon's panel discussion, "Logistical efficiency together and safely," which was introduced by Olli Soininen of Fintraffic VTS. The discussion focused on the importance of cooperation, safety, and technology in ensuring smooth logistics flows, and the panel sparked lively debate among the participants. The question posed at the end, "What is the port of your life?", lingered in the minds of the participants and brought a personal perspective to the day's discussions.
Discussion and new perspectives on logistics
The Port Days event explored topics such as the electrification of ports and the opportunities offered by digitalization. The panels and speeches addressed automation, the benefits of artificial intelligence, and the needs of industry, making the discussions practical and inspiring. Participants also had the opportunity to visit the exhibition stands, learn about the solutions offered by companies in the field, and explore the port of Kokkola.
During the event, new ideas and discussions emerged, opening up new perspectives on the development of the industry. Networking with colleagues was active, and participants were able to share their experiences, learn about new innovations, and be inspired by concrete solutions. The atmosphere was enthusiastic and open, and the discussions continued in the evening program in the atmospheric surroundings of the Snellmann Music Center.
The research center's own excursion into the history of Kokkola
During the day, the staff of the Maritime Logistics Research Center also had time to enjoy the history of Kokkola as part of their own program. Visits to Neristan, the Halkokari skirmish, and the barge – an English landing craft, which is believed to be the only surviving vessel of its kind – provided unique experiences and topics of conversation.
The next Port Days will bring professionals in the field together in Vaasa in September 2026. The experiences in Kokkola will form the basis for new encounters and discussions, and there is great excitement about the next event.
