Finland plays active role in safeguarding shipping in Baltic Sea: Minister

Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne said that Finland is working in different areas to provide security to shipping and the marine environment in the Baltic Sea, said an official press release on Tuesday.

‘We are also further intensifying cooperation with other like-minded Baltic states. Through our cooperation, we ensure that the Baltic Sea, which is central to Finland’s security of supply, remains safe for shipping,’ said Ranne.

Sanctions on the maritime transport of crude oil from Russia have led to oil being transported on older vessels and under a weaker insurance cover.

This increases the risk of oil spills in the Baltic Sea. Winter conditions and transports through ice increase safety risks if the vessel is older and in poor condition.

On 16 December 2024, Finland signed a statement on the so-called Russian shadow fleet. In addition to Finland, the statement was signed by Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Since 11 December 2024, Finland has been requesting insurance information from tankers operating in the Baltic Sea. All tankers transporting crude oil and petroleum products from Russia are asked for insurance in the Finnish exclusive economic zone.

Finland contributes to maritime safety in various forums, such as the EU, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).