Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH) and the Swedish Coast Guard have entered into a new collaboration agreement focused on education, research, and innovation. The Marine Technology Center of Sweden (MTC) sees this as a milestone for the continued development of Karlskrona and Blekinge as Sweden’s maritime capital.
Karlskrona is already home to world-leading maritime technology – and now regional cooperation is taking another significant step forward. Through this newly signed agreement between BTH and the Swedish Coast Guard, a joint commitment is established to strengthen collaboration in education, research, innovation, and professional development.
“This collaboration between BTH and the Swedish Coast Guard is both long-awaited and strategically important. As a maritime nation with a unique security responsibility in the Baltic Sea, we must continuously strengthen our joint capabilities,” says David Appelberg, Innovation Leader at the Marine Technology Center of Sweden.
The agreement paves the way for joint research projects, skills development in maritime safety, and the creation of new technologies in areas such as environmental monitoring, underwater technology, and artificial intelligence. For the Swedish Coast Guard, the collaboration is a crucial part of preparing for tomorrow’s operational challenges at sea.
“This agreement strengthens the Coast Guard’s position as the ‘Hub at Sea’ and gives us new opportunities to develop our capabilities in surveillance, environmental protection, and maritime safety,” says Lena Lindgren Schelin, Director General of the Swedish Coast Guard.
BTH already offers standalone courses tailored for professionals, and the new agreement opens the door for future commissioned education and research collaboration. According to BTH’s President, the meeting between theory and practice is key.
“In a time of rapid change, collaborations where research and practice meet are essential. By partnering with the Coast Guard, BTH can contribute cutting-edge knowledge, technology, and innovation to strengthen Sweden’s maritime capabilities,” says Henric Johnson, President of BTH.
For the Marine Technology Center of Sweden, this marks yet another step in building national momentum around maritime technology, defense, and innovation – firmly anchored in Karlskrona and the Baltic Sea region.
“The formalized partnership between BTH and the Coast Guard strengthens both regional and national capabilities to address growing challenges in our part of the world – grounded in innovative technology, applied research, and operational realities,” adds David Appelberg.
At Marine Technology Center of Sweden, we welcome this as a clear example of how academia, public agencies, and industry are joining forces to shape the future of maritime innovation.
