Exploring data-driven possibilities in the Kvarken region
On May 14, almost 40 innovators, researchers, students and other curious minds gathered at the University of Vaasa for the KvarkenData Learning Café, diving into the growing opportunities created by Aurora Botnia’s vessel data and environmental data. Aurora Botnia is a ferry operated by Wasaline on the Vaasa–Umeå route, and said to be “the world’s most environmentally friendly passenger vessel”.
The event kicked off with a welcome by Professor Heidi Kuusniemi and project manager Vaiva Stanisauskaite¸ who introduced the KvarkenData project. Presentations from the KvarkenData team followed, starting with programmer Jyri Nieminen, who showcased the KvarkenData Portal — a new open-access platform offering valuable environmental datasets from the Kvarken region.
Participants also got a look at how data from Aurora Botnia is used in research: research assistant Terhi Mäki-Turja shared her work on propulsion modelling, and project researcher Sema Çil explained how deep learning models are being trained to recognize sea ice types from webcam images taken aboard the vessel. Since the cameras were only recently installed, ice imagery will have to wait until next winter.
“Open data increases the reliability and reproducibility of research. It helps us find better solutions to existing problems by democratizing access to data. This allows people to apply different techniques and ideas that may not usually be associated with the field but can produce surprising insights into system behaviour.”
Pradeep Bonda
Doctoral Researcher and participant in the event
Learning Café sparked new ideas and perspectives
The heart of the event was the Learning Café, a rotating group discussion session designed to spark ideas and collaboration. Participants explored with the group facilitators how vessel data could offer value to passengers and everyday citizens, drive new research, and support businesses.
Each idea was written down on a flip chart, and the learning café discussions’ results were presented by the group facilitator, chairperson or member. Below are some ideas from the participants — what data could be gathered and how it could be used.
“Many interesting ideas were brought up in the Learning Café, but also some, that were already in use, such as the possibility to pay extra for a greener fuel option. I think people were very eager to learn more about the environment and how the vessel functions.“
Terhi Mäki-Turja
Research Assistant
From environmental monitoring to innovative maritime services, the Kvarken region is full of potential—and the conversation has only just begun.
“The feelings after the event were truly positive. It was inspiring to see such a diverse group of stakeholders showing genuine interest in the KvarkenData research.
Witnessing the active dialogue and engagement among participants was both encouraging and rewarding. I sincerely hope this marks the beginning of new opportunities for collaboration.“Vaiva Stanisauskaite
Project Manager
A fitting finale – with hopes for more
This event also marked the conclusion of the KvarkenData project. The Learning Café served as a fitting finale, bringing together diverse perspectives and highlighting just how much potential lies in maritime and environmental data. With so many promising ideas discussed, there is clear interest and hope for the project to get continuation in the future.
“Since the Kvarken area is unique in many ways, I really hope that there would be a continuation to this project to dig deeper into the vessel data and environmental data to be able to understand more about the ways to decrease fuel need. Ideally the results could be applied to other vessels as well.“
Terhi Mäki-Turja
Research Assistant
When data is scattered across different sources, it becomes challenging to understand complex issues in environmental and maritime research — such as vessel fuel efficiency in varying conditions or the environmental impact of maritime traffic.
Pradeep Bonda, a doctoral researcher, appreciated how the project tackled this:
“The KvarkenData project brought together a lot of data resources that were scattered around and organized them in a central hub. This helps with multi-faceted exploration of the problem. I feel like bringing together diverse data about the same phenomenon can help us understand the problem better.”
The KvarkenData learning café proved that when data meets dialogue, exciting things can happen. After the event, participants gathered at Mathilda to network and enjoy lunch offered by the KvarkenData team.
Thank you to all the participants of the Learning Café!
Learn more about the project: www.kvarkendata.com
