The new Lighthouse project plans to strengthen Swedish marine research by making use of joined forces. One of the participants is the Swedish Mercantile Marine Foundation, which ensures that issues concerning seafarers’ working environment are not forgotten.
The new Lighthouse project was launched at the end of the year. Unlike its predecessor, which was more centred on the west of Sweden, the updated version is a national platform with representatives from educational institutions and organisations around the country. An important task for the new constellation, within the framework of the programme committee, is to list the areas that are most in need of research and development. The administrative director of the Mercantile Marine Foundation, Christer Nordling, is one of the participants.
Influence regulations
”There is a lot of talk about technology and the environment, but I am pushing for seafarers’ work environment and safety to be taken up. I have been given a good hearing so far and these issues are clearly included in the overall framework,” he says.
For many years, the Swedish Mercantile Marine Foundation has contributed to training and research aimed at improving conditions for seafarers. Christer Nordling hopes that being part of a larger context with other players will lead to more concerted efforts.
”As a single small player it is difficult to get an overview and make qualified assessments of which research projects are most worth investing in. With the new programme committee, we hope that the money we contribute will be used where the need is greatest,” says Christer Nordling.
An important issue for the Mercantile Marine Foundation is that results from the research projects will really influence the regulations governing the work environment on board. From that aspect, Christer Nordling believes that the new Lighthouse project can be important.
”Perhaps we can gain a stronger voice together and exert some influence on the rule-makers,” he says.
Linda Sundgren