Helsinki-Tallinn ferry traffic, with 9 million passengers and 2 million vehicles yearly, is vital for both cities and the Gulf of Finland region. Climate change impacts demand a green shift for the ferry industry, crucial for reducing emissions and the region’s well-being.
Reduction In Helsinki and Tallinn
This Green Corridor is a shipping route and an umbrella for several projects at sea and in shore operations in Helsinki and Tallinn which aim to reduce emissions and increase the use of solutions of zero or near zero emissions. The aim is to reach the aspired targets sooner than parties have publicly promised so far.
The signing partners of this MoU are the cities and the ports of Helsinki and Tallinn, Rederi AB Eckerö, Tallink Grupp and Viking Line, Ministry of Climate, Estonia, and it is strongly supported by Ministry of Transport and Communications, Finland.
Climate-Neutral Sea Travel
The goal of this Green Corridor is to accelerate the transition to a climate neutral and sustainable customer journey for both passengers and cargo on the sea routes of Helsinki- Tallinn and Muuga-Vuosaari. This means that there will be joint roadmaps for shipping companies, cities and ports with founding – and other partners – to assist them with achieving zero-emission goals. Each roadmap will consist of specific milestones, which are achieved taking into account priorities and possible funding.
“It is important that the connection between Helsinki and Tallinn is environmentally even more sustainable in the future. More than the mandatory steps need to be taken to ensure that. It is vital that all major players participate in this activity, so this is a day of great importance and a turning point for working together with all partners in favor of climate and nature”, says Valdo Kalm, CEO of Port of Tallinn.
Climate And Growth
“We look forward to the co-operation this project offers between all parties. I’m convinced that we can find smart and better solutions of tackling the climate change in this area of ours and to ensure the future growth and welfare of two countries”, says Ville Haapasaari, CEO, Port of Helsinki.
“Cooperation between Helsinki and Tallinn has been seamless in recent years. For both capitals, the themes of Baltic Sea protection and sustainability have become increasingly important, and we want to take tangible steps to improve these things together. Cooperation with the ports is very welcome and shows the level of our ambition. I believe that this cooperation will enable us to implement actions that have a positive impact on the climate and the Baltic Sea,” says Mayor of Helsinki Juhana Vartiainen.
Kick-starting Green Corridor
This day of signing the MoU serves as a kick-off between the partners for the joint steps to be taken.
The main points of activities in the Green Corridor -projects lie in efforts towards climate neutrality and at the same time in the increasing of passenger and cargo flow between the two countries. It is also vital to strengthen the competitiveness and vitality of the corridor as well as to have some joint scientific studies carried out to enhance project activities and increase knowledge and knowledge-sharing. Joining relevant international initiatives for the development of Green Corridors is also being prepared as part of the activities
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Source- Helsinki
