Conference

Cruise Ships of the Future

Welcome to the Cruise Ships of the Future – Sustainability for the entire Shipbuilding Ecosystem seminar!

The free of charge seminar will bring together international experts, researchers and key players in the field.

WHEN

23.4.2026

WHERE

Vierailija- ja innovaatiokeskus Joki, Turku

What will cruise ships of the future be like?

The cruise industry is going through a historic period of change. Sustainability is not just a matter for the big players. It runs through the entire ecosystem.

Main themes

Shipping and climate challenges: How can shipping actively promote solutions to climate and biodiversity challenges? Emeritus professor Markku Ollikainen (University of Helsinki) will open the seminar with this timely question.

The shipbuilding ecosystem: How can subcontractor networks evolve towards more sustainable and competitive operations? Leading experts from Turku UAS present the ambitious goals of the S4M research project.

Sustainable materials management and digital solutions: Software concepts and digital shadows in the shipbuilding value chain: what does the data tell us and how do we use it?

Simulation and AI to support optimisation: How can agent-based simulation help strike a balance between efficiency and sustainability? Professor Navonil Mustafee (University of Exeter) will introduce the topic.

Why participate?

Are you interested in the future of the maritime industry? This event is for you.

The seminar will bring together leading researchers, experts and key players in the industry. You will hear top speakers on topical issues.
In addition to a networking programme, you will get concrete tips to support your sustainability work.

Programme

Cruise Ships of the Future

Sustainability for the entire Shipbuilding Ecosystem

Free seminar, Thursday 23 April 2026, 9.00-14.00
Visitor Centre Joki, Cave Theatre. Lemminkäisenkatu 12b, 20520 Turku, Finland

The main language of the seminar is English.

9.00-9.15		Coffee and light breakfast at the Cave Theatre
9.15		Welcome words Heli Aramo-Immonen, Senior Lecturer and S4M principal investigator, Turku UAS
9.20-9.45		Keynote: How can shipping promote solutions to climate and biodiversity challenges? Markku Ollikainen, Professor Emeritus and Research Director, University of Helsinki
9.45-10.15		Speaker confirmed / TBA
10.15		Coffee break
10.30-10.45		Advancing Sustainability and Competitiveness in the Shipbuilding Supplier Network Through a Maturity Model, Heli Aramo-Immonen, Senior Lecturer and S4M principal investigator, Turku UAS
10.45-11.00		Software concepts for sustainable material management in shipbuilding Kimmo Tarkkanen, Senior Lecturer and Degree Programme Leader, Turku UAS \| WP2 leader in the S4M project
11.00-12.00		Lunch, Restaurant Mauno
12.30-12.45		The role of digital shadows in the value chain – results from the S4M tracking experiment Janne Siivonen, Senior Lecturer and Senior Researcher, Turku UAS \| WP3 leader in the S4M project
12.45-13.00		Analysing Trade-offs in Container Loading: Combining Load Plan Construction Heuristics with Agent-based Simulation + Q&A Navonil Mustafee, Professor of Analytics and Operations Management, Centre for Simulation and Analytics, University of Exeter Business School
13.00-14.00		Panel discussion The discussion will be moderated by Leena Jokinen, Education Manager, Finland Futures Research Centre (FFRC), University of Turku
14.00		Closing words

We reserve the right to make changes.

Registration by 15.4.2026. Warmly welcome!

Markku Ollikainen is Professor Emeritus and Research Director at the University of Helsinki.

Ollikainen has conducted climate research from a broad perspective – from emissions trading to energy policy and land use.

Markku Ollikainen is a key influencer in Finnish climate policy: he chaired the Finnish Climate Panel from 2014-2023 and has been extensively consulted in climate policy making.

Ollikainen received the Baltic Sea Award for his work to protect the Baltic Sea and his commitment to climate policy. Ollikainen also serves on the Baltic Sea Panel, a group of Finland’s leading Baltic Sea scientists and experts.

Navonil Mustafee is Professor of Analytics and Operations Management at the University of Exeter Business School.

Mustafee specializes in modelling and simulation methods and their application in healthcare, supply chain management and climate change adaptation.

Alongside research, Nav Mustafee has developed the NHSquicker platform, which helps patients choose the most appropriate urgent care option in real time. The project was awarded the Lyn Thomas Impact Medal by the UK Operations Research Society in 2022.

Mustafee is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Simulation.

More information

Contact:
juuliska.seikola@turkuamk.fi

S4M project

The S4M research project explores the complex dynamics of actors and resources within the ecosystem to support progress toward net-zero emissions by 2050.

Find out more about the project