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Åbo Akademi University

ÅAU

Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU) in Turku, Finland, is an internationally acknowledged research university with an extensive responsibility for preserving the Swedish educational and cultural heritage as the only Swedish-speaking multidisciplinary university in Finland.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Ann-Sofie Ronnlund (Cabinet of Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva)

19 Nov 2025 · University funding and innovation

Meeting with Eero Heinäluoma (Member of the European Parliament) and Helsingin yliopisto and Turun yliopisto

15 Oct 2025 · Technology and Democracy – Europe’s Response to Authoritarian Threats

Response to EU industrial maritime strategy

28 Jul 2025

There ought to be focus on battery-electric shipping. Analysis shows battery-electric shipping is competitive with conventional fuels up to 300 nautical miles. By 2035 battery electric ships will be the most competitive alternative on all intra-European shipping routes. As battery cost and weight continues to decline freight costs will decline and longer routes will be become feasible. In addition battery-electric ships differ significantly from conventional ships. This presents an opportunity for European marine industry to develop new business models and innovation and increase their competitiveness. It provides an opportunity to reduce reliance on imported fuels and strengthen local production of renewable energy through sector integration. Battery-electric ships provide Europe an opportunity to eliminate shipping emissions at no additional cost, set a path to lower freight costs and establish competitive advantage in shipbuilding and marine technology. This will require significant innovation in new ship designs, ship construction methods, lifecycle solutions, research into batteries and integration of ship charging into the power grid and digitalisation of the ship lifecycle.
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Response to EU Ports Strategy

28 Jul 2025

There ought to be focus on battery-electric shipping and the role of ports in charging of ship batteries. Analysis shows battery-electric shipping is competitive with conventional fuels up to 300 nautical miles. Already there are many investments into battery electric ships being planned in Europe both for RoPax, container feeders and inland waterways. By 2035 battery electric ships will be the most competitive alternative on all intra-European shipping routes. Ports play a key role in charging of ship batteries either through charging onboard batteries or enabling exchange and charging of battery containers. Turning ports into energy storage hubs will have a significant impact on the local energy system and will require research and innovation focus on how ship battery and battery container charging can be integrated into the local energy system and synergies with local production of renewable energy, especially on islands.
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Meeting with Kristien Van Goey (Head of Unit European Research Executive Agency) and Turku University of Applied Sciences Ltd and Ab Yrkeshögskolan vid Åbo Akademi

6 May 2025 · Presentation on the activities of Unit REA.C.1 Inclusive Society, within REA, on behalf of the European Commission Cluster 2 "Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society" of Horizon Europe and parts of the Horizon 2020's Societal Challenge.

Meeting with Risto Artjoki (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

10 Oct 2018 · Horizon Europe