On September 26, 2025, the Maritime Transport Research group took part in the 21st International Maritime Conference in Tallinn – the oldest maritime conference in the Baltics. The event – co-organized with Tallink Grupp, the Estonian Shipowners Association and Corpore Conferences – gathered leading voices from across the maritime and transport sectors to explore the future of shipping, sustainability, and innovation.
The event brought together more than 30 top maritime experts as speakers under the theme “New Reality in Maritime.” The conference was moderated by Roomet Leiger, Director of TalTech Estonian Maritime Academy, whose dynamic guidance for five consecutive years has brought together key experts. This year, the Opening voices were Kuldar Leis, Minister of Infrastructure, and Elise Nassar, President of the Estonian Shipowners’ Association.
Presentations throughout the programme covered critical topics:
“Shipping: Key Asset to Europe’s Competitiveness” – Sotiris Raptis, Secretary General, ECSA
“Europe’s Maritime Journey – Setting the Course for the Future” – Tarmo Ots, Counsellor of Maritime and Aviation, Permanent Representation of Estonia to the European Union
“Tailwinds and Headwinds to the Estonian and European Economic Outlook” – Tõnu Mertsina, Chief Economist, Swedbank Estonia
“Artificial Intelligence in Shipping” – Radoslaw Kubiszewski, Area Manager Poland, Baltics, Czechia, Slovakia & Hungary, DNV
“The New Reality of Maritime Starts at the Port” – Margus Vihman, Member of the Board, Commercial Director of Port of Tallinn AS
“EU shipping and its role in the European Ocean Pact” – Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans
In addition to keynote presentations, the conference featured several high-level discussion panels in the afternoon:
New Reality for Shipowners – Head: Vahur Ausmees, Chairman of the Board of TS Shipping
Green Fuel and Its Availability – Head: Rene Pärt, Member of the Management Board, Chief Business Development Officer, Port of Tallinn
Turning Maritime Disruption into Growth: Estonia’s Opportunity – Head: Ragmar Saksing, General Manager of Estonian Maritime Cluster
The New Reality and Competitiveness of Estonian Maritime Industry – Panel leader: Urmas Vaino
The conference once again reflected its long tradition of shaping dialogue in the Baltic region. The hybrid format enabled both local and international audiences to participate, continuing its mission of connecting maritime stakeholders across borders.
