Maritime Transport
Large volumes of goods can be transported by ship cost-effectively and in an environmentally friendly manner. Despite the development of other modes of transport, the seas remain the main routes for freight traffic. Finland is highly dependent on maritime transport, as approximately 80% of our foreign trade is carried by sea. The most important markets for Finnish industry are located in Europe, where the majority of export volumes are directed. The primary operating areas for Finnish shipping companies in international traffic are the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, with their major ports.
Partly on the same vessels that carry cargo, around 16 million passengers travel annually in Finland’s international traffic within the Baltic Sea region. Efficient maritime transport plays a significant role in the competitiveness of Finnish industry, as longer transport distances than those of competitor countries, a long and difficult coastline, and winter and ice conditions create additional costs. It is important that transport can continue to be handled quickly, reliably, and on schedule by skilled personnel.
International shipping is comparable to export industry activities. Finnish vessels earn foreign currency income and thus strengthen the country’s balance of payments. The importance of ships operating between Finland and foreign countries can be compared to domestic import-substituting industry, since without our own merchant fleet, freight payments for foreign trade transport would benefit foreign companies. Maintaining the operating environment of maritime transport and preparing for possible crises requires a national merchant fleet, competent personnel, and high-quality professional education. Expertise in the sector is also needed in maritime administration, shipping companies, ports, pilotage services, icebreakers, fairway maintenance, and maritime education.
Sectors of Maritime Transport
Maritime transport can be divided into inland waterway traffic, coastal traffic, and sea transport. Sea transport is further divided into cargo and passenger traffic. Seafarers work on domestic and international cargo vessels, dry cargo and bulk carriers, tankers, refrigerated vessels, and various types of passenger ships and ferries.
Professional seafarers are also needed on fairway maintenance vessels, pilot boats and as pilots, icebreakers, service vessels, oil spill response vessels, and hydrographic survey ships. In addition, they work on vessels operated by the Åland Islands, ferry vessels of road and waterway authorities, research vessels, as well as municipal harbor tugs and port icebreakers. Naval vessels, coastal artillery units, and coast guard ships can also be included.
Maritime Professions
A ship is a small society operating around the clock. Working on board requires adapting to special conditions such as sea motion and, for some personnel, shift work. There is no opportunity for a “normal” private life on board, and at sea one cannot choose one’s company. Crew members must get along with each other also during leisure time spent on the vessel. Professional qualification and health requirements for seafarers are defined more strictly than usual through international conventions and national legislation.
Maritime Personnel
The maritime sector employs several professional groups. The manning of a vessel varies depending on factors such as vessel type and the nature of cargo. Passenger ships generally have larger crews than cargo vessels. Personnel working on board can be divided according to duties into deck, engine, and catering departments. In addition, personnel can be categorized into crew and officer positions.
Maritime Education in Finland
Vocational institutions in the maritime sector
Axxell Utbildning Ab (Aboa Mare)
Etelä-Kymenlaakson ammattiopisto Ekami
Länsirannikon Koulutus Oy WinNova
Ålands Yrkesgymnasium
Universities of applied sciences in the maritime sector
Högskolan på Åland
Kaakkois-Suomen ammattikorkeakoulu XAMK
Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu SAMK
Yrkeshögskolan Novia (Aboa Mare)
Maritime safety courses, short courses, and further education
Aboa Mare
Kotka Maritime Centre
Meriturva – Merenkulun turvallisuuskoulutuskeskus
Turun yliopisto Merenkulkualan koulutus- ja tutkimuskeskus
Ålands sjösäkerhetscentrum