The daily brief: 4 September 2019

Two researchers at the University of Helsinki have been awarded Starting Grants by the European Research Council (ERC). Federico Bianchi and Alexandru Tomescu will both receive five years of funding for their research into the climate effects of fine particles and improving the modelling of real-world problems with computing, respectively. The highly sought-after ERC Starting Grants were this time around awarded to 408 promising early-career researchers, to the total tune of 621 million euros.

The Finnish technology group Wärtsilä is supplying a broad scope of solutions to Hurtigruten, as the Norwegian expedition operator is converting an additional three vessels into more sustainable hybrid-powered expedition cruise ships. Wärtsilä’s order is related to the first ship to be upgraded, MS Finnmarken, with the delivery to take place in December. Wärtsilä is also supplying its liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel storage and supply system for two new dredger vessels being built by Keppel Offshore & Marine for Van Oord, a Dutch maritime contractor.

Wool Locker, an innovative packaging design from Stora Enso, has won the German Packaging Award 2019 in the Presentation of Goods category. Stora Enso’s packaging is designed for yarn and knitting equipment and is made from 100 per cent renewable corrugated board. The award was presented by the German Packaging Institute. Stora Enso recently also won a Scanstar award for its sustainable ice cream package from the Scandinavian Packaging Association.