The agreement between the Ports of Helsinki and Tallinn and three shipping companies stands out from the world’s other Green Corridor contracts by virtue of the number of parties involved. It is unusual and exemplary, because even though these shipping companies are competitors, they are committed to a common cause.

“In practice, the Green Corridor has been implemented by establishing themed working groups consisting of the contractual parties’ personnel,” says Sirle Arro, Head of Marketing and Communications at the Port of Tallinn.

The Green Shipping working group focuses on shipping, the Port Infrastructure group is investigating how to develop port structures and their construction, and Port Operations is examining port operations, such as stevedoring. The Port Services working group is responsible for port services, such as fuel distribution.

The Urban Collaboration group is examining the interface between the port and other social structures, and the potential for collaboration. The Administration working group coordinates all contractual and collaborative activities, and a steering group consisting of the contractual parties’ CEOs supervises and steers the implementation of the agreement.

“The Green Corridor is, above all, a process. During its initial phase, it works towards achieving a number of milestones rather than aiming for a specific end result,” says Andreas Slotte, Head of Sustainable Development at the Port of Helsinki.

This year’s goal for the working groups is to examine the impacts of emissions in their own area, and to draw up a plan to reduce both these emissions and their environmental impacts.