Occupational health and safety at sea in focus as new research unit launches
The Department of Public Health at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) has established the Research Unit for Maritime Health and Technology (MHT) to strengthen interdisciplinary research on maritime working conditions, technology and diversity.
The Research Unit for Maritime Health and Technology (MHT) was formally established at the University of Southern Denmark on 1 January 2025 and has been based at SDU’s main campus in Odense since 3 April 2025.
MHT builds on the work of the Centre of Maritime Health and Society (CMSS) in Esbjerg, which was closed following the 2025 national budget agreement.
The unit focuses on examining working conditions and health-related challenges among maritime workers – including psychosocial issues and limited access to healthcare and welfare services. At the same time, research is being carried out into the role of technology and the environmental challenges that affect safety and working conditions at sea.
– Our goal is to improve the working environment and safety of seafarers and offshore workers around the world. Technology and interdisciplinary research must play a central role in this development, says Senior Researcher Lisa Loloma Froholdt, Head of MHT.
Interdisciplinary collaboration across faculties
MHT works closely with researchers from both the Faculty of Engineering (TEK) and the Faculty of Social Sciences (SAMF) at SDU. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that technological, societal and health-related aspects are all incorporated into the research.
The research unit also contributes to the major cross-disciplinary initiative, the SDU Maritime Research Platform, where SUND, TEK, HUM and SAMF all bring their expertise.
Launch of the research unit
At a reception on 9 April 2025, the unit was officially welcomed to SDU in Odense.
Head of Department Pernille Tanggaard Andersen gave the opening speech, and Lisa Loloma Froholdt introduced the unit’s researchers and their new strategic plan.
Current research projects
MHT is involved in several projects, including:
- Seasickness in the offshore industry: Studies of how the transition from land to sea affects the work capacity of both seafarers and offshore workers.
- Energy consumption on small vessels: Mapping current practices for onboard energy management and developing optimisation strategies.
- Energy hubs: Developing a framework for risk management in relation to maritime activities around energy islands.
- Maritime Culture Lab; Diversity at sea: Investigating how diversity within crews influences the working environment at sea. This includes factors such as gender, age, nationality, religion and LGBTQI status.
MHT will continue working to generate new knowledge on maritime working conditions and safety, in close collaboration with both technical and social science experts. The aim is to develop human-centred solutions and technological initiatives that improve conditions for maritime workers worldwide.