It is only in recent years that we have truly come to realise that no one can flourish or succeed – or even get to work – without security and security of supply. We are completely dependent on both visible and invisible channels and networks. If the ice cannot be broken, if the electricity system, internet connections or bridges collapse, then Finland collapses.

The importance of security of supply has been hammered home by the energy crisis, the pandemic and Russia’s war of aggression. Hamas’ attack on Israel on 7 October, and the damage done to gas pipelines and submarine cables in the Baltic Sea on 7–8 October, reminded us how we too are vulnerable to acts of terrorism and the impacts of war.

There has been no need to remind Orpo’s Government of this, as our government is the government of the economy, security and security of supply.   We haven’t forgotten that the war on Ukrainian soil continues, the world is unstable, and we must be prepared for anything and everything. We work every day, on every front, to strengthen security and security of supply, while considering the challenges of the declining economy.

Ports are hubs for Finnish exports and contribute to our security of supply. Although the State does not directly own or finance port operations, the planning of Finland’s national transport system takes the importance of maritime transport into account. We are also responsible for state roads and railways leading to ports. The National Transport System Plan (Transport 12) is being updated, and ports and shipping are being analysed with an emphasis on security, security of supply and military mobility.

Maritime transport accounted for 92.4 per cent of our foreign trade last year. Foreign cargo traffic passing through Finnish ports reached almost 94 million tons. For many Finnish ports, domestic maritime traffic also accounts for a significant share of the port company’s business. Domestic cargo traffic totalled approximately 5.7 million tons in 2022. In exceptional circumstances, cargo traffic secured the availability of both groceries and industrial raw materials and supplies.

Securing our container traffic is largely in our hands. We can guarantee safe shipping, sufficient icebreaking capacity, the functionality of our ports, and the necessary operating conditions for the forestry industry. We are aware that more than half of Finland’s container export volume comes from the forestry industry. In accordance with the Government Programme, we will secure winter shipping, as it is vital for the national economy, security of supply and commercial competitiveness. We will also overhaul the way icebreaking is organised.

The five-month-old Government has already begun building the shipping of the future in a good spirit of cooperation with its stakeholders, and particularly in conjunction with updates to the Transport 12 system. The common goal is smooth maritime traffic under all conditions, coupled with bustling and thriving ports, as part of the foundation of Finland’s security of supply.