News
23.11.2011 Finnish and American companies seek opportunities for cooperation in the defence and security sector
22.11.2011 Russia, arctic know-how and environmentally friendly products the source of growth
17.11.2011 Wellbeing at work increases with age – measures to be tailored to different groups
9.11.2011 Federation of Finnish Technology Industries’ collective agreement settlement for the IT sector
6.11.2011 Federation of Finnish Technology Industries and YTN accept settlement proposal
1.11.2011 A strike concerning senior salaried employees at some member companies in Technology Industries
1.11.2011 A new strike threat concerning some member companies in IT Service Sector
Russia, arctic know-how and environmentally friendly products the source of growth
Arctic expertise and exploitation of Russia's energy reserves and natural resources are creating new opportunities for the Finnish maritime sector. In addition, the sector's environmentally friendly, energy-efficient innovations hold much promise. The Association of Finnish Maritime Industries will celebrate its tenth anniversary this year by getting down to work. In its anniversary year, the association will be emphasising the maritime industry's status as the cornerstone of Finnish industry.
In Finland, the share of exports accounted for by cruisers and passenger vessels is among the highest in the world. After a period of billion-euro contracts for luxury cruisers, in recent years the slump-hit maritime industry has been forced to adapt to more challenging times. The industry has responded to the challenge by diversifying companies' skills and expertise and introducing new product concepts along-side traditional know-how.
In the last 30 years, the industry's focus has shifted away from shipyards toward vendors who operate globally and develop a wide-range of new technologies. In addition to the world's largest cruisers, the Finnish maritime industry is responsible for such innovations as the oblique icebreaker, LNG engines, rotatable propeller systems, steel cabin modules and cost-effectiveness sensitive ship design concepts and software.
Growth from the East
A large step forward was taken in joint-ventures with Russia, when STX Finland and the United Shipbuilding Corporation jointly founded the Arctech Helsinki Shipyard. The Association of Finnish Maritime Industries is preparing projects in St Petersburg that will help SMEs in the Finnish maritime industry find customers and collaborators in Russia. There are also plans for collaboration in the environmentally friendly exploitation of energy reserves and the opening of the Arctic Northeast Passage. State- level cooperation is also of great importance.
Arctic region of ever greater importance
In the implementation of Finland's arctic strategy, attention should be paid to commercial business opportunities in the the arctic sector. The research activities and expertise of the maritime industry should be strengthened and arctic know-how should be marketed in the EU.
The maritime industry is engaged in long-term development work so that sea travel can be made an even more sustainable form of transportation than it is today. The Association of Finnish Maritime Industries has proposed such measures as an environmental subsidy for vessels aiming at low-emissions. A new step forward is represented by the construction of an LNG powered car and passenger ferry for the Baltic Sea. The maritime industry has also proposed the construction of offshore wind farms, in order to increase the use of renewable energy.
Additional information:
Merja-Salmi Lindgren, Director. Tel. 09 1923385, merja.salmi-lindgren@teknologiateollisuus.fi
