The Transport 12 plan, which was originally published in spring 2021, is currently being updated. As the plan extends to 2032, new priorities will be introduced at regular intervals, and its objectives will be revised in accordance with prevailing economic conditions.

Transport 12 places greater emphasis on both security and security of supply. When the 2021 plan was finalised, there was no war in Ukraine and Finland was not a member of NATO. The main issues at that time were sustainable transport, climate policy and long-term development.

“We are currently planning how we can improve our security in light of the current security situation. Cross-border cooperation to the west is now even more important,” says Jouni Ovaska, who chairs Parliament’s Transport and Communications Committee.

What changes will the plan bring to ports?

Increased security and west-bound connections are being concretised in various ways, such as through the development of northern rail and road networks. The upkeep of nationally critical routes is the most important aspect of road maintenance.

“We are highly dependent on effective maritime transport in the Baltic Sea. We must consider how our logistics in all areas would operate during a crisis. Ports are critical to security of supply for industry, the energy sector and logistics,” says Ovaska.

Port infrastructure must be NATO-compatible, so that troops from NATO countries can be smoothly transported through ports in crisis situations. Transport 12 provides a strategic foundation on which concrete action can be planned.

“We encourage ports to make use of EU funding instruments so that they can develop dual-use capabilities, that is, capabilities that serve both civilian and military purposes. We are also urging ports to promote the energy transition, digitalisation and multimodal transport.”

Ovaska identifies improved hinterland connections as another key area for development. They include not only rail and road connections, but also inland waterways that link ports to a broader geographical area, such as industrial zones and residential areas. These connectios are important for a port’s competitiveness and efficiency.

How can EU funding be used to improve security of supply at our ports?

When Ovaska considers the first steps that should be taken to improve security of supply, he mentions the digitalisation and automation of ports.

“Data needs to flow more efficiently and quickly at ports. Cybersecurity is another area of ongoing development. Funding must be secured for both Traficom and the National Cyber Security Centre Finland, so that we can protect all critical infrastructure while also better serving the private sector.”

“Reducing emissions will help to combat global climate change, which remains the greatest threat to humanity.”

“In exceptional circumstances, ports will play an even more critical role in safeguarding Finland’s security of supply. EU funding should therefore take into account not only military mobility, but also measures that support and safeguard security of supply, such as strengthening the critical infrastructure of ports (including cybersecurity) and guaranteeing energy availability and smooth logistics chains with the aid of crisis-resilient backup systems.

What is Transport 12’s stance on reducing emissions?

Action to reduce emissions will continue, as national emission targets remain unchanged and reducing emissions from transport is an essential aspect of achieving those targets. Reducing emissions will help to combat global climate change, which remains the greatest threat to humanity.

“The most important thing is to change how people get around, that is, encouraging them to adopt sustainable modes of transport such as public transport, walking and cycling. These matters are governed by MAL agreements between the State and municipalities.”

What role do ports play in the green transition?

“The most important current issue is to expand the use of shore power in port areas. Our committee visited a number of locations in early April, including the Port of Helsinki.”

Ports also play an important role in the transport and storage of renewable energy sources, such as wind power, hydrogen and synthetic fuels. They must also have the charging and refuelling infrastructure that is required to use renewable energy sources for all modes of transport. All this will require significant investments, which in turn calls for new funding models from the Government or EU.

“It’s important for us to be able to pilot the operational environment for hybrid ferries at the Port of Helsinki. The Port of Helsinki is particularly significant due to its high passenger volumes, and has done some exemplary work on behalf of the entire Finnish port network,” says Ovaska.