AUTO-MARE project aims to develop framework for environmentally just, transparent, and accountable use of AI in shipping industry.

The Critical Arctic Studies’ research team at the Arctic centre of the University of Lapland was granted funding for AUTO-MARE project – Autonomous Technologies for Ocean Governance: Maritime Autonomy, Responsibility, and Environment (2026–2029).

Project will develop justice-centred governance models specific to Nordic and Baltic maritime domains, shaping a future where the Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation contributes to strengthening marine life rather undermining it.

AUTO-MARE examines the use of AI in shipping, focusing on its governance and responsible deployment. Drawing on the posthuman theory, the project analyses shipping practices as series of socio-technical relations, where the marine environment is at risk to be treated as blank data landscapes ready for optimisation. Project aims to develop framework for environmentally just, transparent, and accountable use of AI in shipping industry.

A member of the Arctic Centre’s research team involved with the project, Virga Popovaitė, thinks this is a good opportunity to shape hospitable futures for both, people and marine critters.

“Critically assessing relations between technology, infrastructure, socialities, and local ecologies – an approach which is the strength of our research team – will expose possible risks of marginalisation posed by AI employment. Being able to conduct this research amid a rising tide of technological developments gives us firmer ground to shape changes for a world that is just for people and other beings alike.”

The AUTO-MARE consortium, led by the University of Akureyri (Iceland), includes collaboration between the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland (Finland), Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), Nord University (Norway), the University of Gothenburg (Sweden), the University of Stavanger (Norway), CLIMA – Centre for Climate Change Law and Governance at the University of Copenhagen (Denmark).

At the Arctic Centre, the project is led by Research Professor Monica Tennberg. Inspired by posthumanism and critical ecofeminism, the team will engage in data collection, analysis, and theoretical contribution for the project. Centre’s share of the budget is 243 500 euros, funded by Nordforsk.

Virga Popovaitė works as a researcher in the AUTO-MARE project.