Finnish maritime technology industry heads for sustainable future

The maritime technology industry plays an important role in the economy and employment in Finland, both nationally and regionally.

Finland’s maritime technology industry (shipbuilding and equipment manufacturers) consists of marine technical equipment manufacturers, total suppliers, design offices, software and system suppliers, as well as shipbuilding, repair and offshore shipyards. The industry comprises nearly 1100 companies with a combined turnover of 7.65 billion € and it employes 25 400 people. Approximately 90 per cent of the value of the products are exported.

The maritime market is international and is influenced not only by the international economic cycle and international maritime agreements, but also by the strategic and geopolitical interests of countries. The international competitiveness of the Finnish maritime industry has been based on high-tech design and equipment expertise, the construction of complex specialised vessels such as cruise ships and icebreakers, and the efficient management of the necessary supply chain.

Challenges and Opportunities

At the moment, the industry faces both great challenges and opportunities that are related to climate change, digitalisation and the requirement to reduce emissions.  Climate change and digitalisation will create new demand and business opportunities as long as the sector invests heavily in competence and innovation, productivity, internationality, exports and cooperation.  Low-carbon technologies, digital solutions and efficient value chains are the key to success in the maritime industry.

In conclusion, the Finnish maritime ecosystem is currently in good shape and has a strong inclination towards international growth. However, its success heavily depends on global trends and economic development, innovations and skilled work force. Maritime technology industry is a developing growth sector that will continue to provide opportunities for strong, innovative and competitive businesses in future.

Turku region is important production cluster for the Finnish maritime technology industry, maritime know-how and innovation. Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUAS) has a strong emphasis on sustainable maritime technology in training and education as well as RDI activities with the companies. TUAS collaborates closely with industry partners to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for the maritime sector. This includes focusing on eco-efficient ship design, digitalization, modern production technology and autonomous maritime operations. TUAS is actively involved in international cooperation within the maritime technology industry, universities and other stakeholders in Europe.

LeaderSHIP Project – boosting European maritime technology industry 

Global competition requires closer European level cooperation between those involved in the sector and long-term renewal of skills and competences. LeaderSHIP Project aims to enlarge and strengthen the existing large-scale partnership by engaging stakeholders across maritime ecosystems to promote long-term sustainable cooperation. The long-term objective of the LeaderSHIP project is collectively acting for innovation, competitiveness and resilience in the European shipbuilding sector and the entire maritime value chain. It can be done by creating the long-term sectoral skills strategy, the design and implementation of EU-level trainings and by building sustainable cooperation under the umbrella of the EU Shipbuilding and Maritime Pact for Skills.

We have strong understanding that cooperation in training and education at the European level is crucial for the future success of the maritime industry. Initiative like LeaderSHIP project is an excellent example of how collaboration can enhance the quality of maritime education and training across Europe.

References

Association of Finnish Marine Industries (2024)

https://meriteollisuus.teknologiateollisuus.fi/fi/meriteollisuus/meriteollisuus-ry

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland (2021) Study: Marine Industry – Current State and Future Scenarios.  Publications of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment 2021:51

TESI: (2023) State of Finnish Marine Industry 2023. Survey & Analysis.

Author

Juha Valtanen, Turku University of Applied Sciences