Emilia Luoma

Kotka Maritime Research Centre

Kotka Maritime Research Centre (Merikotka) is specialised in interdisciplinary research and development of maritime transport and logistics, considering a variety of aspects. The shared vision of the research community operating under the Centre is to advance comprehensively sustainable development of maritime sector by the means of collaborative science. Merikotka's Core Research Network consists of the scientists and experts working at the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, University of Turku, and South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK). Kotka Maritime Research Association (KMRA) acts as a primus motor coordinating, managing, and facilitating the interdisciplinary collaboration and implementation of the shared operating strategy. The Association operates under the supervision of a board, led by the City of Kotka. Merikotka was founded in 2005 at the initiative of Kotka. Seafaring and marine logistics forming a key area of industry in the city, Kotka wanted to know more about the risks and opportunities related to maritime transport. The city financially supports the the Merikotka professorships at the member universities, as well as the basic operation of the Association. Beyond academia, Merikotka works closely with a great number of experts and stakeholders of related fields, maintaining continuous dialogue to ensure the relevancy and applicability of the research outcomes. Our partners include such organisations as the Finnish Environmental Institute, Natural Resources Institute, Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, Metsähallitus, as well as the development company Cursor Ltd, South Kymenlaakso Vocational College (EKAMI), and Kotka Maretarium.