The Finnish Ports Association represents the interests of freight and passenger ports in national and EU-level decision-making. Founded in 1923, the association includes 27 sea and inland waterway ports. These ports develop their infrastructure and offer a wide range of port services. The membership consists of both general and industrial ports.
Approximately 85% of Finland’s foreign trade—imports and exports combined—flows through member ports of the Finnish Ports Association. Passenger traffic is also a visible and important part of the sector. The vessels operating in this traffic play a crucial role in ensuring efficient freight transport. The association’s office is located in Helsinki and employs three people.
The association represents Finnish sea and inland waterway ports in active dialogue with decision-makers. Its advocacy work covers both national and EU-level initiatives. It gathers the perspectives of the entire port industry and communicates them effectively to key stakeholders. The core mission of the association is to promote the operating conditions of Finnish ports and thereby strengthen the competitiveness of port companies.
1.Strengthening the Competitiveness of Finnish Ports
The Finnish Ports Association acts as a unifying force within the industry and continues its advocacy work both nationally and in the EU to support the global competitiveness of its member ports. In addition to transport and infrastructure policies, the association actively monitors and influences broader developments and initiatives that impact port operations. These include, for example, promoting investments required for a green transition and ensuring that the cost of port logistics does not rise unreasonably.
2. Supporting Emissions Reduction and the Energy Transition
The Finnish Ports Association supports its members in their efforts to reduce the environmental impact of port operations. The association plays a vital role in helping member organisations implement the energy transition in ports and maritime logistics in a timely and effective manner. This transition will require significant investments from ports, and a key task of the association is to secure access to national and EU funding to enable these investments.
3. Ensuring the Resilience of Ports
Geopolitical shifts have highlighted the importance of operational reliability in ports. At the same time, the need to develop alternative routes, ensure redundancy in logistics operations, and align commercial and military transport presents new challenges for the port sector. Preparing for such challenges requires dedicated resources. Changes in international trade policy and the evolving security situation in the Baltic Sea region also contribute to the unpredictability of the port business environment.
The Finnish Ports Association promotes a positive image of the port sector’s role in Finland’s economy, security of supply, and the competitiveness of export industries. The association provides decision-makers with up-to-date insights into market developments, operational conditions, and the sector’s needs to enhance competitiveness.
Finnish Ports serves as an important platform for interaction among its members. Through events and working groups, industry professionals share views and discuss current issues impacting the sector.
The association maintains active communication with its members, providing regular updates on legislative changes and other timely topics and events.
Finnish Ports Association also collaborates closely with various stakeholders, including export industries, the logistics sector, public authorities, and research institutions. The goal is to develop innovative solutions that improve port operations and promote low-carbon practices adapted to Finnish conditions.
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