PLATFORM EDGE
EDITORIAL
2 / 2017
PLATFORM EDGE
Finland wants to create the world ’ s first unmanned maritime systems and services – as well as give birth to an efficient autonomous maritime ecosystem by 2025 . To support these ambitious goals , a comprehensive project was launched last autumn . The Ministry of Transport and Communications supports the undertaking by examining possible test areas for unmanned vessels and by providing a suitable environment for flexible testing operations . The project involves nearly 60 companies and is included in the Arctic Seas programme of Tekes , the Finnish funding agency for innovation .
Anne Berner , Minister of Transport and Communications , has commented that the promotion of digitalisation and extensive utilisation of automation and information are the driving forces in many Government key projects – and the autonomous maritime venture is a fine example of this . In the maritime sector , the added digital layers can significantly enhance safety , reduce emissions and improve productivity . Minister Berner believes that Finland is especially well equipped to take the global lead in maritime transport and the related automation and information industry – and she may well have a case .
For example , Finland has plenty of agile ICT startups to help out in the development of the paradigm-busting autonomous shipping solutions . The startups thrive through an ecosystem mentality which is also a forte of the Finnish marine industry : the Turku shipyard alone manages a remarkable network of over 500 suppliers .
And the international element is already there . Rolls-Royce , for instance , has been ‘ in-country ’ for more than half a century – and is presently hard at work planning its remote and autonomous ship technology on the west coast of Finland .
Tekes is committed to financing autonomous marine ecosystem development and boosting new innovations into markets in the coming years . As Finland ’ s world-class ICT startup scene is joining forces with the country ’ s strong maritime players , the exchange of ( hopefully revolutionary ) ideas is amplified considerably .
The ‘ autonomous seas ’ initiative promises to create a common roadmap for reaching autonomous marine operations , thus enabling effective co-operation and coordinated development between industry , research institutes , classification societies and authorities . The roadmap creation and implementation is steered on by a group of leading industry partners . DIMECC acts as the “ ecosystem manager ” and is responsible for the achievement of effective co-operation and concrete objectives between the players .
The new initiative is also a prime example of the emerging Platform Economy : once you have a solid foundation , all kinds of good things can come to life .
PUBLISHER PubliCo Oy Pälkäneentie 19 A FI-00510 Helsinki Finland Phone + 358 20 162 2200 info @ publico . com www . publico . com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Petri Charpentier
PROJECT MANAGER Jaakko Lätti
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Vappu Virtanen
GRAPHIC DESIGN Riitta Yli-Öyrä
CONTRIBUTORS Sami J . Anteroinen Merja Kihl Ari Mononen
COVER PHOTO AS Tallink Grupp
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PETRI CHARPENTIER www . seatec . fi / magazine
4 seatec 2 / 2017