The three conference days took place inside historical locales at the fortress island and were filled with presentations of subjects spanning from Swedish naval architecture and women onboard British 17th century ships to environmental threats posed by wrecks from the second World War. 

The conference was organized by the Finnish Heritage Agency and managed by Minna Koivikko, who is also the project leader for the Agency’s project within the Lost Navy programme. 

The theme: Instruments of war, peacefully resting

The conference title “Warships Resting in Peace”, Minna Koivikko explains, was carefully chosen to reflect the dualistic theme of how peace and war is connected in the research.  

– We are primarily studying the wrecks of former warships, which now lie peacefully in the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea, a region known for its unique conditions that help preserve organic materials. This peaceful resting contrasts with the ships' original purpose as instruments of war. The connection between peace and war is crucial in our discussions; while these ships were once built for conflict, their stories now serve as a reminder of the importance of credible defence in securing peace. 

Minna Koivikko, Finnish Heritage Agency, led the organizational team for the conference.

Minna also points out that warships also have roles in diplomacy and trade, reinforcing peaceful international relations. 

– As scholars, it is our responsibility to share the histories of these ships not to glorify war, but to underscore the futility of conflict and the importance of striving for peace. In Finland, the concept of "credible defence" is particularly resonant, emphasizing the need for a strong defence as a deterrent to war.

The conference schedule: Lectures, networking and relaxation 

Besides the lecture schedule, including but not limited to presentations of most of the subprojects of the Lost Navy programme, the conference offered many opportunities for participants to socialize. It’s important to incorporate joint activities that foster friendships and informal discussions among participants, says Minna. 

– At WARPE, we organized a pre-conference sailing trip and guided tours of the fortress, which were well-received. Social events like the conference dinner and a casual pizza and beverages evening were particularly popular and contributed to the overall success of the event by providing opportunities for networking and relaxation.

The participants could get their first view of the fortress island Suomenlinna from the cannon sloop Diana. Photo: Elin Heppling.

Minna expresses gratitude over a well-executed and interesting conference. 

– From the organizing team's perspective, the conference went exceptionally well. The program was thoughtfully curated, offering a comprehensive exploration of the theme "Warships Resting in Peace." We were fortunate to have favorable weather, and the opening ceremony was particularly memorable, with distinguished delegates from the Ministry of Culture, the governing body of Suomenlinna, and the Finnish Heritage Agency in attendance. The smooth execution of the event, coupled with the engaging content and significant participation, exceeded our expectations. The presence of such wise and open minded scholars made the whole event a highlight, leaving a lasting impression on all of us.