The Gulf of Finland is one of the most strategically important and environmentally sensitive marine corridors in Northern Europe. Shared by both Finland and Estonia, this narrow shipping lane sees dense international traffic—from cargo vessels to oil tankers—making it highly vulnerable to accidental spills and illegal discharges.
To address these risks, the European Union has launched DIGIMARIS, a cross-border project aimed at strengthening spill detection, tracking, and response capabilities through modern technology. As a leader in real-time optical oil detection, LDI has joined the initiative to test and integrate the ROW Oil Spill Detector into next-generation marine monitoring systems.
This article explores how ROW contributes to DIGIMARIS, the results of recent testing, and why real-time optical detection is essential for protecting the Gulf of Finland.
The Gulf of Finland: A High-Risk Marine Corridor
The region’s geographic and environmental factors make effective spill monitoring particularly challenging:
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Intensive shipping traffic increases the likelihood of fuel leaks, bunkering accidents, and illegal bilge discharge.
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Cold, often rough waters make traditional visual surveillance difficult.
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Sensitive ecosystems, including coastal fisheries and protected marine habitats, require rapid intervention in the event of contamination.
Even small spills can travel quickly in narrow waterways, causing long-term harm to coastlines and communities. Fast detection is therefore a critical component of modern spill response strategy.
The DIGIMARIS Project: Cross-Border Collaboration for Cleaner Seas
DIGIMARIS brings together Finnish and Estonian partners to:
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improve oil spill detection in coastal areas
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deploy new systems for tracking drifting contaminants
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test mobile and fixed technologies to support rapid response
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build a shared regional approach to marine protection
This comprehensive framework aligns closely with LDI’s mission to provide reliable, field-proven tools for environmental defense.
ROW Testing at Xamk University: Evaluating Real-World Performance
One of DIGIMARIS’ key objectives is the integration of advanced detectors into both fixed and mobile systems. ROW supports this dual approach through:
Fixed installations
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shoreline monitoring stations
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harbor or port infrastructure
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pier or intake monitoring
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environmental research locations
Mobile platforms
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autonomous surface vessels (ASVs)
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offshore buoys
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temporary rapid-response units
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hybrid monitoring platforms used during emergency actions
ROW’s compact footprint, IP68 housing, and low-power design allow it to operate reliably in these varied contexts.
Why ROW is Ideal for Baltic Marine Protection
The ROW Oil Spill Detector offers several advantages particularly suited to the conditions of the Gulf of Finland:
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Real-time detection using UV-induced fluorescence
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High sensitivity to thin films (≥1 μm) of light and heavy oils
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IP68-rated, all-weather protection
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Wireless or wired telemetry for rapid alerts
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Compatibility with fixed and mobile monitoring systems
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Low maintenance requirements, reducing operational burden
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Ability to operate year-round in cold and low-light environments
These features make ROW an effective complement to satellite surveillance and periodic aerial inspections, providing localized, continuous monitoring where satellite coverage may miss smaller or fast-moving spills.
Supporting a Cleaner, Safer Gulf of Finland
The DIGIMARIS project highlights the importance of combining innovation, cross-border cooperation, and real-time technology to protect marine ecosystems. With ROW now undergoing successful tests and moving toward broader integration, LDI is proud to contribute to the future of marine spill prevention in the region.
As the project progresses, new insights from field deployments will further refine how real-time detectors like ROW support national and European environmental objectives.