Earlier this month, a Green Corridor Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by representatives on both sides of the Gulf of Finland.
This MoU aims to ensure and accelerate the creation of a climate neutral customer journey and maritime green corridor on the Helsinki/Tallinn and Vuosaari /Muuga ferry connections.
Vessel traffic between Helsinki and Tallinn has been a driving force for both cities, their hinterlands and even the two countries.
There are around 9 mill passengers and 2 mill vehicles crossing between Helsinki and Tallinn each year.
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 (GHG) has become an urgent issue for every company and entity.
This Green Corridor is a shipping route and an umbrella for several projects at sea and onshore 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 stated targets sooner than parties have publicly promised thus far.
Signing the MoU, were the cities and the ports of Helsinki and Tallinn, Rederi AB Eckerö, Tallink Grupp and Viking Line, plus the Estonian Ministry of Climate. It is also strongly supported by the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications.
Its goal is to accelerate the transition to a climate neutral and sustainable customer journey for both passengers and cargo on the sea routes. 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 favour of climate and nature,” said Valdo Kalm, Port of Tallinn CEO.
”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,” added Ville Haapasaari, CEO, Port of Helsinki.
The main points of the Green Corridor projects are efforts towards climate neutrality and at the same time in increasing 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 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, the parties said.
