Swedish, Finnish Ports Target EU Funding

zoomPort of Turku, Finland Five Swedish and Finnish ports have this week submitted applications for EU funding within the 2014 CEF Transport Calls for Proposals. The cooperation, backed by both the Swedish and the Finnish Government, is aimed at improved port infrastructure and environmental services. Four Finnish TEN-T core ports Turku, Helsinki, Naantali and HaminaKotka – together with Ports of Stockholm are investing 200 million euros in port infrastructure and measures to reduce the environmental impact of shipping. The partners, also including Viking Line and Skangass, are now applying for EU-funding from the 2014 CEF Transport Calls for Proposals, closing on 26 February 2015. “The investments in our ports will greatly improve the maritime link between our countries Sweden and Finland, which is an important part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T)”, says Christian Ramberg, CEO, Port of Turku. The partners will submit two Motorways of the Seas applications, one focusing on improvements in port infrastructure such as new and improved quay-berths, ramps, logistics areas etc and the other related to environmental measures such as the provision of LNG, onshore power supply and waste reception facilities. “All our ports have been appointed “core ports” within the TEN-T, and now we have initiated a cooperation which will contribute to the implementation of the TEN-T. We hope that the EU-commission supports our joint efforts for a sustainable maritime link and choose to co-finance our investments”, says Johan Castwall, CEO, Ports of Stockholm. The EU Commission is expected to give notice on the applications by summer this year.