Tallinn, Helsinki ports request funds for LNG shipping

Port of Helsinki and Port of Tallinn continued to work together closely to develop the Helsinki-Tallinn maritime link.

The ports together with Tallink Grupp submitted applications for funding investments within the 2014 CEF Transport Multi-Annual Calls for Proposals. The goal is to develop an improved and stream-lined port infrastructure and green line operation between Helsinki and Tallinn. The application is backed by both the Finnish and the Estonian Governments, ports said in a joint statement.

According to the Helsinki and Tallinn Twin-City -concept, the ports have logically called their project TWIN-PORT, which is also the name of the first cooperation project funded by the EU in the period 2012-2015.The current application is a follow-up project and will serve the same goals. The ports are investing 100 million euros in port infrastructure in order to achieve additional capacity and improve the flow of the densely operated Helsinki – Tallinn line, which serves 8.2 million passengers and 3.1 million tons of cargo annually.

Ain Kaljurand, CEO of Port of Tallinn, said that the investments in these two ports will greatly improve both ports’ capacity to serve the maritime link between Helsinki and Tallinn. Infrastructure improvements within the ports and the connecting city areas will serve also both cities well.

“Tallink’s contribution in the project is essential containing the development of a new environmentally friendly LNG vessel with efficiency related solutions targeting the route to become a truly Green Shipping Line. We hope the EU-commission will support our efforts,” said Kimmo Mäki, CEO of Port of Helsinki.

Image: Port of Tallinn