Areas of advance

Maritime transport includes both freight and passenger transport. Almost 90% of the goods are transported by sea. Demand for transport is growing, which in turn encourages supply chain management developments to remain competitive. The traditional transport service has been supplemented by terminal and warehousing services, agency and chartering, etc., which are closely linked to the digitalisation of maritime transport and the accompanying changes in the functioning of the maritime sector, education and research and development.

Vast developments in the IT-sector have raised the need for the digitalisation of the maritime sector and optimising the work processes on-board ships and in ports. While a large part of the shipping work is still done on paper, IT solutions and e-systems help to better exchange and collect information. E-navigation through electronic maps and information systems, e-documents in the form of certificates and bills of lading, and e-ports with real-time information and announcements require the development of standards and regulations, changes in management and education.

The Baltic Sea is one of the busiest seas in the world, with around 2,000 ships at any given time. In order to save lives, prevent environmental pollution and socio-economic damage and improve the management of the consequences, it is important for EMERA to address areas such as the human factor in shipping, ship management and bridge management, navigation systems, development of marine pollution prevention and control tools and measures, and maritime safety. In addition to research and development in these areas, EMERA aims to provide input for the development and implementation of maritime legislation.

Projects:

OIL SPILL
CoMET

The aim of the Blue Economy and Aquatic Resources research group is to carry out development activities on production technologies and adding value to raw materials in coastal areas and the aquatic environment.

The Blue Economy and Aquatic Resources research group combines knowledge of:

• sustainable implementation of the aquatic environment;
• biology, chemistry and physics of water resources;
• technological processes in the aquatic environment;
• the blue economy and the social economy.

Leader of the research group is Loreida Timberg

The widespread adoption of IoT technology in the maritime sector has created new opportunities for shipowners to operate ships more safely and economically, while bringing risks that companies have not been exposed to before. To mitigate these risks, a Centre for Maritime Cybersecurity is set up, focusing on three main topics: maritime communication security, marine technology cyber security and the human aspects of cyber security.

Funded by the Horizon 2020 EraChair program, the MariCybERA project supports bringing outstanding academics and high-level professionals in TalTech to develop maritime security expertise in the field.