PhD Position in Maritime

Tallinn University of Technology, Estonian Maritime Academy offers a 4-year PhD position in mechanical engineering with the specialization of maritime.
Proposed doctoral thesis topic: "Success factors of Estonian ports and maritime sector".

Supervisor: Professor Ulla Tapaninen

Abstract
The start of research is to analyse how Estonian maritime cluster and port sector has developed in recent decades. Sector is facing multiple opportunities and challenges, as environmental regulations, opportunities of digitalization and customer expectations keep changing. The aim is to outline the success factors and paths for future development.

Description
Estonian maritime sector is facing multiple opportunities and challenges, as international regulations, transport flows, shipping company operations, opportunities of digitalization and customer expectations keep changing. Moreover, sustainability strategies, environmental issues and social aspects change the business environment of the cluster.
The aim of the doctoral research is to analyse how Estonian maritime cluster and in particular Estonian port sector has developed in recent decades and compare it with other Baltic Sea and European states. The transport flows, economic impacts and operation profiles are studied. In addition, future challenges and opportunities of Estonian maritime cluster and port sector are analysed and paths of success factors for the cluster are outlined.
Research is multidisciplinary and various methods can be used. A basic knowledge in shipping and port economics is seen as an advantage.
The position is at the Tallinn University of Technology and includes some work in teaching in our courses. The expected duration of doctoral studies is four years, but a contract is first made for 4 months, and the extension is subject to the advance of studies and research.