Different, but Outstanding – MUSTBE Has Brought New Aspects among the Maritime Logistic Research Centre’s Project

Three people in Maritime Logistics Research Centre's new premises — While representing the MUSTBE Project, Hanna Kajander (on the right) represented Maritime Logistics Research Centre of Satakunta University of Applied Sciences. Photo: Krista Valkonen

Several visitors participated in Rauma Maritime Network Day which was held on 7^th November 2024. Also MUSTBE project was represented at the event as it is one of the many projects of the Maritime Logistics Research Centre. The Research Center was one of the organisers of the event.

MUSTBE differs from the other projects of the Research Centre, as its focus is on nature-based and multidimensional solutions for urban stormwater treatment. One might question what a stormwater project has to do with maritime logistics. However, it fits well with the Research Centre’s activities and objectives.

– The solutions developed in the MUSTBE project can also be used in the maritime and logistics sectors. For example, the amount of hazardous substances ending up in the sea could be reduced by planting so called stormwater tree solutions which also act as carbon sinks. In general, stormwater issues can be seen as a factor affecting security of supply, which in turn is strongly linked to maritime transport and logistics, MUSTBE Project Manager Hanna Kajander states.

In the Rauma Maritime Network Day’s seminar, Project Manager Heikki Koivisto from Maritime Logistics Research Centre mentioned MUSTBE in the context of sea level rise. Stormwater, the focus of the MUSTBE project, can pose an increasing problem in the future due to climate change and its effects on flooding risk; sea-level rise is also an example of these effects which ports as transport hubs of maritime logistics also have to take into consideration.

– The MUSTBE project represents preparedness for the damage caused by extreme weather events and the increasing frequency of heavy rainfall. These will create pressure for more efficient treatment of urban stormwater management and prevention of stormwater flooding, Kajander specifies.

The Rauma Maritime Network Day 2024 was held for the fifth time at the SAMK campus in Rauma, Merimäki, and included a trade fair. The day brought hundreds of visitors to Merimäki, from students to industry professionals. The Seaside Campus concept was responsible for organising the event, in cooperation with the Rauma Chamber of Commerce, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Maritime Logistics Research Centre and Winnova. 