”A solution looking for a problem” is how Theodore Mainman described the invention of the laser in the early 1960s. Long gone are those days. At the MALAMA workshop in Rauma in January, many examples were given as evidence of the development of laser technology and the role it can and could play in the maritime industry and other industrial sectors. A lively discussion took place with business representatives on the needs and wishes of companies, as well as brainstorming on possible new use areas for lasers.