Representatives from Estonia and Finland have signed a green corridor memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote more sustainable and green shipping.
The signing partners of this MoU are the cities and the ports of Helsinki and Tallinn, Rederi AB Eckerö, Tallink Grupp and Viking Line, Ministry of Climate, Estonia, and it is strongly supported by Ministry of Transport and Communications, Finland.
The Green Corridor MoU has been signed by representatives on both sides of the Gulf of Finland to ensure and accelerate the creation of a climate neutral customer journey and maritime green corridor between Helsinki – Tallinn and Vuosaari – Muuga connections.
“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,” said Ville Haapasaari, chief executive of Port of Helsinki.
There are annually 9 million passengers and 2 million vehicles crossing the sea between Helsinki and Tallinn.
This Green Corridor is a shipping route and an umbrella for several projects at sea and in shore 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 aspired targets sooner than parties have publicly promised so far.
The new agreement essentially means that there will be joint roadmaps for shipping companies, cities and ports with founding – and other partners – to help them reach a goal of zero-emissions.
According to the release from Port Tallinn, each roadmap will consist of specific milestones, which are achieved taking into account “priorities and possible funding.”
Valdo Kalm, chief executive of Port of Tallinn noted that “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.”
