Helsinki and Tallinn ports, cities and ferry companies to accelerate zero emissions

Vessel traffic between Helsinki and Tallinn has been a driving force of vitality for both cities, their hinterlands and even the two countries. There are annually 9 million passengers and 2 million vehicles crossing the sea between Helsinki and Tallinn. As the present climate change affects all parties – cities, ports and shipping companies – the future and the continuation of the ferry business is still seen as absolutely necessary for the well-being of the whole area on both sides of the Gulf of Finland. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions has become an urgent issue for every company and entity.

Today a Green Corridor MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) has been signed by representatives on both sides of the Gulf of Finland to ensure and accelerate the creation of a climate neutral customer journey and maritime green corridor between Helsinki – Tallinn and Vuosaari – Muuga connections.

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.

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.
• 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.

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.

 (Source: https://www.ts.ee/en/helsinki-and-tallinn-ports-cities-and-ferry-companies-to-accelerate-zero-emissions/)