Xamk offers logistics studies in real-life learning environment in Kotka  

The largest export port in Finland, Hamina Kotka harbour, is a significant hub for cargo traffic. Therefore, Xamk students studying logistics have a chance to study in a real-life living lab.   

Bachelor of Engineering in Efficient Supply Chain Management is a unique combination of technology and business studies. The new 4-year degree program is organized as daytime studies starting in autumn 2025. After completing the program, a student will be able to manage and develop logistics processes focusing on material requirement, planning and control.  

Antti Laakso, a teacher of mathematics, physics and computer-aided design at Xamk, sees that the new program gives students tools to evaluate whether logistics chains are feasible. This kind of knowledge helps them later on in working life when there is a need to evaluate processes and make decisions. During studies, there is a strong focus on the circular economy.   

”Decisions must be based on numbers, not speculations on whether it will be good for business or whether it will be profitable or feasible in terms of environmental impact. Therefore, we study circulation of materials and resources, energy efficiency and learn to calculate carbon emissions, among other things.” 

Logistics is about managing flows 

Antti Laakso has learned over the years that studying logistics provides a gratifying challenge for people who like to look at things from many perspectives.  

”Studying logistics is a versatile area that suits people who are interested in solving puzzles. In logistics, there are many ongoing processes that you need to pay attention to and to evaluate when making decisions. I think that this field is more creative than traditional engineering.” 

Having worked several years in different managerial positions in industry, Salla Vaahersalo has been teaching logistics, quality management and business courses at Xamk for four years. She likes to emphasize that behind every good decision there should be understanding of the bigger picture and clear facts about making profit. Sustainibility is an over-lapping topic in the new program.  

”Sustainability is about three things: people, planet and profit. Without profit, the other two will fail. There needs to be a balance.” 

She knows that many people think logistics is simply about trucks, trains and containers, when in reality  that is only evidence of successful logistics handling behind the scenes. Therefore, a student learns topics from many perspectives and understands the meaning of working in a systematic way.  

”We have material flow, information flow, money flow and why not people flow also? Efficiency, competitiveness, and profitability need to be taken into consideration when making decisions.”  

A student will also learn to understand different types of transportation modes, inventory control, procurement, the principles of logistics management and leadership as well as customer needs and quality.  

Kotka is a test lab for green transition projects 

Kotka, a city along the Finnish Gulf with over 50 000 inhabitants, has many ongoing industry-level development projects related to the circular economy and zero emission solutions. Currently, battery materials for electric vehicles are being developed in several projects. 

”In Finland many companies are transitioning to completely electric transportation methods. Finland is, I would say, in the first wave of green transition. In logistics studies, there is always a strong focus in planetary sustainability. We need people who can make wise choices of processes. Therefore, I think, Kotka would be a good spot to study if you want to change the world for better”, says Antti Laakso.   

There is a growing need for professionals in global logistics industry. Work opportunities lie in the public sector, in industries, trade and even in health care sector. You can also specialize in procurement and innovations. 

”Logistics is a crucial part of the growing circular economy. We can fail in the circular economy in many ways if we do not provide cost-efficient solutions for logistics chains”, agrees Salla Vaahersalo.  

”There are good work opportunities for students who want to develop solutions for the circular economy”, states Antti Laakso.  

The new Xamk Kotka campus welcomes students 

Xamk Kotka new campus is located at the Old Port of Kotka by the sea. It offers a spacious modern setting with classrooms that can be tailored for different group sizes. In addition, there is a library and a cultural venue with shared restaurant facilities.  

Antti Laakso likes the new light-filled campus that lets students and staff enjoy all four seasons and many kinds of activities nearby. At the Kotka campus, older students tutor newcomers, and lecturers can be easily available for support.   

”Lecturers always have time for students. Our new modern facilities are designed for the needs of students and staff. Our campus has a most central location. For me personally, the closeness to nature is essential. It is easy to walk on the shores and trails and look at the Finnish forests and archipelago.” 

Salla Vaahersalo reminds foreign students that since Finland is a sparsely-populated country with long distances and changing weather conditions, you will learn new ways to manage logistics.  

”Here you can learn new perspectives for logistics compared to many other countries. We tackle different kinds of challenges which may be most interesting. The ongoing global development in logistics is rapid, so you need skills to evaluate what will be the right directions. We do not have a special logistics lab inside our campus, because campus itself is located inside a living logistics lab. You notice that when you just look out of the window. At Xamk, you will learn how to combine business with logistics, and you will have many global opportunities later in life.”