Kotka Maritime Research Conference
29.-30.10.2025 | Kotka | Finland

Call for Abstracts

KOMAREC2025 conference focuses on three key objectives: 

1. Fostering interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral dialogue – Bringing together researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to build shared understanding and develop solutions for sustainable maritime activities. 
2. Identifying key drivers of change and their impacts – Exploring how climate change, the green transition, digitalization, and geopolitical tensions reshape maritime operations, risk landscapes, and the use of sea space.
3. Advancing a comprehensive approach to maritime sustainability – Addressing environmental, safety, and societal / human dimensions in an integrated manner to support resilient and responsible maritime development. 

We invite abstracts on research-driven findings, ideas, and solutions that have potential to contribute to sustainable development of maritime operations in a changing world. You can also present your ongoing research project related to the conference themes in the poster session. See the instructions below.

The Need for Sustainable Maritime Practices in a Changing World

Functional and safe shipping, port operations, and maritime infrastructures are crucial enablers of international and national trade and passenger traffic – often providing the most energy- and climate-efficient form of transportation. Globally, the maritime sector is undergoing multiple transitions while facing increasing pressure to ensure long-term sustainability. 

International climate goals and the green transition are reshaping maritime operations, influencing traffic patterns, cargo types, energy sources, and vessel designs. Meanwhile, climate change impacts, such as extreme weather and shifting ice conditions, demand adaptation. Digitalization and artificial intelligence offer new opportunities but also introduce risks. Geopolitical tensions pose additional security threats, including shadow fleets, GPS jamming, undersea cable disruptions, and increased military activity in strategic waters. 

The maritime sector must also navigate competition for sea space with other blue economy sectors, such as renewable energy, fisheries, aquaculture, mining, tourism, and recreation. At the same time, marine ecosystems are under threat, driving efforts like the UN treaty to conserve 30% of the high seas by 2030. Ensuring maritime operations align with broader sustainability goals is becoming increasingly urgent. 

Beyond environmental and safety concerns, social sustainability is gaining recognition. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights considerations are becoming more relevant, particularly as automation and workforce transitions accelerate. Addressing these aspects will be key to building resilience in the sector. 

With these challenges, maritime systems and their risk landscapes are undergoing fundamental transformations. Successfully navigating this transition requires close interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration among policymakers, authorities, businesses, researchers, educators, and the public.  Proposed topics and research questions  The conference welcomes contributions exploring various dimensions of maritime sustainability, including but not limited to: 

1. Decarbonization, alternative fuels, and pollution control The maritime sector faces increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants through alternative fuels, energy sources, and stricter regulations. Are current measures effective? What are the risks and trade-offs associated with new technologies? How can the industry mitigate unintended environmental and socio-economic consequences?
2. Climate change adaptation and the green transition Climate change intensifies extreme weather, alters sea ice conditions, and disrupts traditional maritime operations. Simultaneously, the green transition introduces regulatory, economic, and technological challenges. How can maritime actors adapt to these evolving conditions while ensuring operational resilience, safety, and sustainability?
3. Digitalization, AI, and automation Advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and digitalization create opportunities for efficiency and sustainability but also raise concerns about cybersecurity, regulatory adaptation, workforce training, and occupational well-being. How can these technologies be leveraged while managing associated risks?
4. Socio-political, economic, and human rights challenges Global crises, geopolitical tensions, and financial uncertainties influence maritime sustainability. At the same time, labor rights, fair working conditions, and DEI considerations are gaining more attention in the industry. How have these factors shaped maritime operations, regulations, and industry resilience? What strategies can ensure sustainable development while promoting social responsibility, fair labor practices, and human rights?
5. Maritime traffic, infrastructure, and spatial dynamics Changing transportation patterns, port infrastructure developments, and competing uses of maritime space affect sustainability. How do regulatory and regional differences influence maritime sustainability? What tools can improve risk management and promote efficient, low-impact operations across diverse environments?
6. Ship design and technological innovation Future vessels must be more energy- and climate-efficient while minimizing pollution and operational risks. What ship design innovations support environmental, economic, and social sustainability? How do these choices impact long-term resilience, safety, and security?
7. Sustainability over time: learning from the past, preparing for the future Sustainability is an evolving process shaped by historical developments, present-day transitions, and future foresight. What lessons can be drawn from past maritime policies and technologies? How can long-term strategies ensure the sector remains resilient in an uncertain future?

Instructions

Using this pre-formatted Word template, submit your abstract by 1 April 2025 via email to merikotka@merikotka.fi. Title your message “KOMAREC 2025 Abstract Submission”. 

Based on the submitted abstracts, we will organize coherent thematic sessions for oral presentations (8–10 minutes plus discussion) and an interactive poster session. On the abstract template, you are asked to indicate your primary preference between an oral presentation and a poster. 

This year, we also welcome posters that provide a general overview of ongoing or recent projects related to the conference themes, even if they do not include specific research results. We kindly ask you to submit an abstract for these posters as well and select the “project poster” option on the Word template.

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At a later stage, authors whose abstracts are accepted for oral presentations will be asked to submit a 1–2-page extended abstract. This will allow session chairs and other participants to familiarize themselves with the topic and prepare questions in advance. 

We will request permission from the authors to publish the abstracts as open access on the conference website. This will not restrict the authors from using the material for other purposes. 

KOMAREC2025 is an abstract-only conference, meaning no formal proceedings will be published. However, if there is sufficient interest among presenters, we may propose a special issue in a suitable scientific journal related to the conference theme. We will assess interest during or after the event. 

Registration and conference fee

Registration opens in June. All presenters and attendees must register to participate. The 345 € (incl. VAT 25,5 %) conference fee includes access to both conference days with catering and the conference dinner on October 29th.

The organizer reserves rights to make changes to the plans.