Environmental friendliness brings competitive advantages, and deepening fairways increases capacity. As traffic volumes decline, the logistics sector should be investing in the basics.

1. A green corridor between Helsinki and Tallinn

In October, the Ports and Cities of Helsinki and Tallinn, and the major shipping companies that operate between them, signed a mutual understanding agreement to create a sustainable and environmentally neutral maritime transport route between the two cities. This project is in line with the Clydebank Declaration that was signed by 24 countries in Glasgow in November 2021. It’s gratifying to know that dozens of green corridors have been created between partner ports all around the world, and several projects are already underway in the Baltic Sea region.

The competitiveness of green corridors will improve in comparison to other logistics routes. It is therefore important that all major operators are involved in the Helsinki–Tallinn project. This will ensure that their mutual aim is realised, and will result in action not just empty words.

2. The economic outlook has further deteriorated

The worsening economic outlook has already been visible in traffic volumes for a year. The latest forecasts show the slight, short-term downswing turning into a deeper recession. This will impact companies in the logistics sector and be directly reflected in transport volumes.

However, the situation may quickly change for the better if inflation can be halted and interest rates start to fall. It would also affect many consignors. Yet times like these also offer opportunities for logistics operators, who should make sure they are ready for the upswing when it comes.

3. Deepening of the Loviisa fairway now in the Government Programme

Now that both the economic outlook and Finland’s accessibility have worsened, it’s the right time to invest in the transport infrastructure network, both on land and at sea. So it’s great that key transport projects, such as the long-awaited deepening of the Port of Loviisa’s fairway, were included in the Government Programme.

This project will enable an increase in traffic at the Port of Loviisa in its role as a key gateway to the circular economy and energy industry in Finland. Plans for building a rail connection between Loviisa and Lahti have also been set in stone, which will enable the Port of Loviisa to take a long-term view on developments.

After the planning phase, a decision on the investment could be made in 2025, allowing the fairway to be deepened before the end of the decade.