#EMD2016 – The annual European Maritime Day’s (starting today) is to highlight the importance of the seas and oceans and the challenges facing maritime regions and sectors.

This is the ninth edition of EMD and takes place in Turku, Finland with a conference today and tomorrow, 19 May. There will also be an attractive line up of activities for the general public between 20-22 May.

EMD 2016 is organised in cooperation with the City of Turku and the Finnish government. It will take place in an old locomotive hall called Logomo in Turku.

We are looking forward to an exciting and interactive event focusing on the theme of "Investing in competitive blue growth - smart and sustainable solutions".

More specifically it will focus on identifying and highlighting the practical steps needed to drive blue growth investments, as well as innovation and change in the blue economy.

The EMD conference and exhibition offers a dynamic networking environment for the more than 800 participants registered as well as structured opportunities for mutual exchange and debate through 20 stakeholder workshops, five thematic sessions and two 'Leadership Exchange' panels.

The event will also include matchmaking meetings, a networking village with more than 30 exhibitors, a photo competition, site visits, a classical concert, an art project on marine litter and much more.

Afloat adds that last year’s newbuild cruiseship Mein Schiff 4 (pictured above) made a first visit to Dun Laoghaire Harbour last season. The 2,506 passenger capacity was built at the Turku shipyard for German premium-class operator, TUI Cruises. Next week, fleetmate, Mein Schiff I is to call to the Irish port to launch the season on 26 May. 

The almost 100,000 tonnes Mein Schiff 4 had anchored off the East Pier Dun Laoghaire Harbour (see photo), became the last order for STX Finland before the Baltic yard was taken last year by Meyer Turku. 

Leadship, Mein Schiff 3 was built in 2013 at the same yard. Meyer Turku will complete TUI Cruises order for further sisters.