Home

Welcome

The Tribology at the Low Countries conference is a prestigious meeting organized by Ghent University and the University of Twente under the umbrella of the Bond voor Materialenkennis.

This special edition is co-organized with the COST Action CA23155 (Ocean Tribology) consortium. By bringing together a pan-European network of researchers and industry professionals, we aim to bridge the established tribology community with the rapidly evolving challenges of marine and offshore technology.

Scope & Topics

We welcome contributions spanning the full breadth of tribology, with a specific focus on the science of friction, wear, lubrication, and material degradation in demanding marine environments.

Key topics include:

• Marine Components: Bearings, seals, and propulsion systems.
• Tribocorrosion: Material degradation in aquatic environments.
• Materials & Surfaces: Advanced coatings and surface engineering.
• Lubrication: Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) and offshore strategies.
• Condition Monitoring: Predictive maintenance and diagnostics.
• Industry-Driven Tribology: Applied solutions for real-world marine problems.

Important dates

Venue

In the true spirit of ocean tribology, we are delighted to host this edition in Ostend (Oostende). This vibrant coastal city boasts a rich maritime character and a 19th-century legacy as a fashionable seaside resort, historically associated with the Belgian royal family.

News & Updates

• Registration Open: The online portal is now accepting registrations.
• Call for Abstracts: Submit your research by 09 March 2026.
• Program: The full scientific program will be released shortly.
• Registration is open until 01 April 2026

Further Information

We look forward to welcoming you to Ostend — see you by the sea!