Dr. Olivier Schalm

Olivier Schalm studied chemistry at the University of Antwerp. During his master thesis, PhD, and postdoctoral research, he specialised in the chemical analysis of heritage materials such as historical glass, silver alloys, and pigments. He also investigated advanced imaging techniques, including emission radiography, and explored innovative plasma-based methods for cleaning tarnished silver. His work gradually shifted toward environmental monitoring inside museums and churches. Within the AIRCHECQ project, he developed a multi-parameter monitoring tool and algorithms that translated environmental measurements into risk levels for accelerated material degradation. After moving to the Antwerp Maritime Academy, he expanded this expertise by developing compact, multipurpose Arduino-based data logger systems for a wide range of maritime applications. These systems are used air quality monitoring systems, in in-house-developed buoys, for monitoring the energy consumption of small autonomous vessels, or for measuring ship or platform motion. His research emphasises robust calibration methods for low-cost gas sensors and advanced data visualisation techniques that support risk assessment by converting measured pollutant concentrations into intuitive, health-related risk levels accessible to non-experts. His current work focuses on sustainable transport in the maritime sector. He investigates how onboard energy consumption can be optimised through targeted crew training, and improving the interaction between the operator and the vessel’s energy systems to support the transition toward more energy-efficient and cleaner ship operations.