Reimagining Maritime Services Join the 2040 Hackathon Challenge!

In partnership with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, University College Twente (ATLAS) launches a hackathon that challenges students to rethink the future of nautical services in 2040. Participants will not only shape the maritime industry’s future but also compete for a chance to present their ideas at a public sector conference on sustainable mobility and enjoy an exclusive visit to a ship of the Rijksrederij.

Public organisations have all kinds of tasks and provide many different services on seas, lakes, rivers and canals. Think for example of the Coast Guard providing assistance to people in need or The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate providing inspections of marine traffic and pollution. In the coming years, 57 ships will reach the end of their technical lifetime. Will we still need ships in the future? And how can we keep the sustainability goals in mind?

Innovative Technologies and Sustainable Solutions

With technological advancements such as autonomous shipping, drones, and innovative materials, the possibilities are endless. This is a call to students across disciplines to bring their ideas and expertise to the table, imagining a future where sustainability, innovation, and practicality drive the public sector’s approach to maritime operations.

Participants will delve into critical topics, from the potential of electric ships and remote sensing technologies to the impact of climate change and the increasingly busy waters of the North Sea. The hackathon will also explore whether these services should remain solely within the public sector or if there’s room for collaboration with private entities, all while considering the ambitious goals of CO2 reduction and circularity.

This hackathon offers students the chance to engage with real-world challenges, pushing the boundaries of innovation while contributing to a more sustainable and efficient future. It’s an invitation to not only think critically but also creatively, envisioning a maritime sector that meets the needs of 2040 and beyond.

Programme