From 29 – 30 October 2025, the Kotka Maritime Research Conference (KOMAREC 2025) gathered maritime researchers, industry representatives, and policymakers to explore science-based solutions for a climate-neutral and resilient maritime sector.
The BALTIC-FIT team was strongly represented during both days of the conference with research presentations and posters covering different aspects of sustainable maritime transport.
Prof. Ulla Tapaninen, coordinator of BALTIC-FIT and Head of the Maritime Transport Research Group at the TalTech Estonian Maritime Academy, delivered a joint presentation “Complexities of the Adaptation of Alternative Fuels,” co-authored with Kristine Carjova, Teemu Manderbacka (VTT), and Mikael Lind (RISE).
The presentation explored the technological, infrastructural, and regulatory complexities involved in adopting alternative marine fuels and highlighted cross-border research collaboration between Estonia and Finland.
In Session 2 “Digitalization, Automation, and Cybersecurity,” Kristin Kerem discussed “Regulatory challenges of using unmanned vessels,” and Mari-Liis Tombak presented “Environmental and cybersecurity challenges in the Baltic Sea shipping.”
In the Poster Session, Riina Otsason presented “The effect of environmental regulations in the maritime sector for ships below 400 GT,” and Kadi Kasepold with Deniece M. Aiken shared their research “The Role of Gender in Maritime Sustainability: Perspectives on
Decarbonization”.
On the second day of the conference, Session 4 “Operational Efficiency and Vessel Energy Management” will be chaired by Suvi-Tuuli Lappalainen (ESL Shipping), a member of the BALTIC-FIT Advisory Board.
These contributions showcased the wide-ranging expertise within BALTIC-FIT – from alternative fuels and environmental regulation to cybersecurity, gender perspectives, and energy efficiency – all aligned with the project’s mission to foster sustainable and smart maritime transport in the Baltic Sea region.
