Sweden - National Programme Information

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National policies

The objective of research policy is that Sweden should be a leading research nation, where research of a high scientific standard is conducted. Research must maintain high quality and research initiatives should provide scope for both breadth and specialisation.

 

Priority areas

High-priority research fields are life science, engineering and sustainable development Inter- and multidisciplinary research. Maritime research is a vital component of the Swedish Maritime Administration’s sector role, particularly within the areas of maritime safety and the environment. The Administration’s own research is limited, but it supports the activities of researchers in the field. The research budget for 2006 was SEK 5 million. One area in which the State promoted research was that of behavioural science in the maritime environment, concentrating on the behaviour of persons on board and in the ancillary organisations connected to maritime transport. Another area was that of the ability of a ship to survive collisions, running aground or fires, which together are the most common causes of accidents at sea. When the Estonia sank, it was also noted that the ability to rescue passengers from the sinking ship and to use the life-saving equipment on the vessels that came to its aid was not good enough. These areas, too, were included in the research programme. Shipping is, by its nature, international, as are maritime safety rules. The fifth area of research that was identified was that of training and the effect of regulations. Research has achieved recognition at the international level. ERA-Net Transport is at present discussing a Swedish initiative for work on the survival of vessels.

 

Funding organisations

Swedish Maritime Administration
Works to keep the sea lanes open and safe and strive to make shipping safe for people and for the environment.

 

VINNOVA (Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems) is a state authority that aims to promote growth and prosperity throughout Sweden. The particular area of responsibility comprises innovations linked to research and development. Primary tasks are to fund the needs-driven research required by a competitive business and industrial sector, and to strengthen the networks.

 

SSPA Sweden AB is an independent, limited company owned by the Foundation Chalmers University of Technology. The department SSPA Research is responsible for the initiation and management of Research Projects and includes today (January 2007) nine experts and PhD students.
Transport research in Sweden is coordinated through TRANSAM, which coordinates initiatives, follow-up and communication of new initiatives.

 

Programme information

The State made available SEK 25 million to start research in several areas, aimed at improving safety at sea. VINNOVA was instructed to administer the programme and to commission research. Two major projects in progress are concerned with the development of new types of lifeboats and with the design of ships that can withstand various types of accidents without capsizing. The Government has, to date, invested SEK 70 million in this safety at sea programme, of which about SEK 55 million have been allocated.

 

 

Swedish Maritime Administration
O Promenaden 7
Norrkoping
SE-60178

Mr. Per Ekberg
Tel: +46 73 432 1372
Fax: +46 1119 10 55
Email: per.ekberg@sjofartsverket.se
URL: www.sjofartsverket.se

 

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