TransNav 2025: Global Forum on Maritime Navigation and Safety Opens in Gdynia

From June 11 to 13, 2025, the city of Gdynia once again became the center of global maritime expertise during the 16th edition of the International Conference on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation – TransNav 2025. The prestigious event, jointly organized by the Faculty of Navigation at Gdynia Maritime University and The Nautical Institute, was officially opened by the conference founder and Rector of GMU, Professor Adam Weintrit, Master Mariner, DSc. Eng., PhD.

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11 june 2025 | 14:55 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Jacek Koślicki / UMG

In his opening remarks, Rector Weintrit highlighted the international scale of the conference, which this year gathered participants representing 83 countries across all continents. The international audience included members of the Scientific Committee, authors of scientific papers, peer reviewers, session chairs, keynote speakers, sponsors, industry representatives, and institutional partners from nations such as Australia, Brazil, China, France, India, Japan, Nigeria, the UAE, the UK, the US, and many more.

The opening session also featured distinguished guests from the maritime academic and professional communities – rectors of maritime universities, deans, directors of institutes, professors, researchers, captains, and students – all contributing to high-level interdisciplinary dialogue on the current and future state of maritime navigation.

Representing The Nautical Institute, David Patraiko, Director of Research & Innovation, addressed the audience in person, while Captain Trevor Bailay, Chairman of the Institute, delivered a specially prepared video message. Reflecting on his career, he discussed key technological milestones in marine navigation – including the evolution of radar and ARPA systems, the widespread use of satellite navigation (GNSS), and the growing role of autopilot systems. He also addressed the ongoing debate surrounding the relevance of celestial navigation in the GPS era.

A message of support was also extended by Dr. Arkadiusz Marchewka, Secretary of State at the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure, who praised the conference for creating a platform that fosters international cooperation and scientific exchange with real impact on the maritime industry. “The research findings presented here will undoubtedly resonate in maritime discussions for months, if not years to come,” he emphasized.

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of two prestigious awards. The Ulisses Award, recognizing outstanding contribution to The Nautical Institute’s mission, was awarded to Professor Vladimir Torskiy (Ukraine). The Hevelius Award, honoring distinguished service to the development of marine navigation, was presented to Professor Andrzej Felski (Poland).

The official opening concluded with a performance by the Gdynia Maritime University Choir.

This year’s TransNav conference is held across two key locations: the main GMU campus on Morska Street and the Faculty of Navigation headquarters at Al. Jana Pawła II in Gdynia. Over 200 experts from around the globe are delivering presentations and engaging in discussions on topics such as cybersecurity in shipping, autonomous navigation systems, green shipping technologies, GNSS-based positioning, and offshore innovations.

TransNav has established itself as one of the leading global platforms for maritime knowledge exchange, addressing the complex challenges of waterborne transport, human and cargo mobility, maritime infrastructure, energy transitions, environmental protection, and safety at sea.