Fairway Forward, the Finnish-Swedish maritime collaboration in Helsinki - together we are stronger!

The seminar featured case presentations by leading industry companies and authorities from both countries. The first part of the seminar focused on green transition and deployment of new technologies. Presentations highlighted the development of electric vessels, carbon capture and green port ecosystems. The green shipping corridors between Finland and Sweden are a good example of cooperation between innovative maritime companies, ports, shipowners and authorities on both sides. New Finnish-Swedish green corridors are emerging between Turku and Stockholm, as well as between Vaasa and Umeå.

The safety situation in the Baltic Sea was the topic of the panel discussion, which highlighted shared concerns about GPS jamming and the shadow fleet sailing in the Baltic Sea. Once again, cooperation between authorities and navy on both sides of the gulf was seen as vital in battling safety concerns.

Winter navigation, along with the challenges and opportunities of icebreaking today became the theme of a lively discussion. Various actors praised the cooperation in icebreaking and the communication between the two countries. The flexibility of icebreaking services and vessels is an important factor for competitiveness in our icy waters. 

In conclusion, continued good cooperation and collaboration between Finland and Sweden across-the-board is the key to success. Thank you to all participants! Next year, the seminar will be held in Sweden. 

The seminar attracted a large number of participants.

The challenges and opportunities of icebreaking in Sweden and Finland were among the themes of the seminar.

Commentary by Helena Orädd (Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency), Erik Almkvist (Viking Supply Ships), Erik Eklund (Swedish Maritime Administration) and Maunu Visuri (Arctia). 

Fairway Forward is a collaboration between the Finnish and Swedish maritime clusters established in 2019. The collaboration aims to share best practices and work together to reach environmental and climate goals in the maritime sector. Participating organizations in Fairway Forward are Swedish Shipowners´ Association, Swedish Ports, Finnish Shipowners´ Association, Finnish Marine Industries, and Finnish Ports’ Association, together with the Finnish Port Operators Association.