ºÚÁÏÍø

News

Pentti Kujala, the grand old man of marine technology, gave his farewell lecture in a full hall

Following a career of over 40 years in marine technology companies, Helsinki University of Technology and Aalto University, Professor Pentti Kujala has left teaching and research duties and moved on to a position as Senior Advisor at Aalto University. At his farewell celebration, Kujala gave an account of his colourful career that began in Somero and the friendships that formed the basis of a wide-ranging stakeholder network. The scene at the farewell lecture was a crowded one.
Pentti Kujala's farewell lecture 2022
Photos: Pauli Leino, Aalto University

Pentti Kujala

Pentti Kujala has an extensive career as a professor of marine technology at the Helsinki University of Technology and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Aalto University. He has more than 40 years of experience in the study of marine structures and vessels used in open water and ice conditions. His main research areas are risk analyses of marine operations in both open water and ice conditions and the development of innovative structural solutions for different types of vessels. His research has focused on the full scale measurements of ice induced loads, the analysis of ice load statistics, the simulation of ship performance on ice, the development of advanced structural solutions for ships and system-level safety of maritime traffic.

Pentti Kujala has served as leader of the Marine and Arctic Technology Research Group. He has also led the Arctic Maritime Operations and Maritime Excellence Research Unit (CEARCTIC). Prior ºÚÁÏÍø University, Kujala worked, among other things for Lloyd's Register of Shipping in London, VTT and Aker Yards. 

During 2017–2021 he served as the vice dean for impact and innovation activities of the School of Engineering.

In 2020, the European Transport Research Board awarded Kujala the TRAVISIONS Award (TRA) for his work to improve the safety of ships in the Baltic Sea and the Arctic. The projects and work led by Kujala have had a significant impact on the safety of shipping in the icy seas.

He has been involved in a number of research projects funded by the European Commission, the Lloyd's Register Foundation and various countries, among others. The scientific impact of Kujala is described in his approximately 200 publications and 5000 citations. Thanks to Kujala's research work, POLARIS risk management system has been introduced for the planning of voyages to the Arctic. 

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Two people presenting data on Nordic markets. One holds a microphone, the other gestures towards a screen.
Cooperation, Press releases, University Published:

Aalto University to host the INNOVA Europe Summit 2026 in Espoo

Aalto University to host the INNOVA Europe Summit 2026 in Espoo, bringing together Europe’s next generation of student entrepreneurs.
Silhouette of a person thinking, overlaid with colourful digital data and graphics on the right side.
Cooperation, Press releases Published:

Finnish AI Region Secures Second Term with Top Marks from EU

Finnish AI Region (FAIR) EDIH has been selected to continue operations for a second term with excellent ratings. European Union continuation funding enables service expansion from the beginning of 2026. Aalto University is one of 10 partners in FAIR.
Unite! Seed Fund 2026 announcement with a small plant sprouting from soil. Call now open for student activities, teaching, and research.
Cooperation, Research & Art, Studies, University Published:

Unite! Seed Fund 2026: Open for applications

The 2026 Unite! Seed Fund call is officially open, offering funding across three strategic lines: Student Activities, Teaching and Learning, and Research and PhD. Deadline for applications is 20 March 2026.
Text: Unite! Seed Fund for Students 2026. Call now open. Image: Seedling growing from soil.
Cooperation, Research & Art, Studies, University Published:

Apply now: Unite! Seed Fund 2026 - Student Call

The Unite! Seed Fund call for 2026 is now open for students. Apply now for up to €20,000 per project, involving at least two Unite! Universities. Deadline for applications is 20 March 2026.