The Taltech Estonian Maritime Academy held a Maritime Month appreciation event to recognise exceptional individuals and organisations within the maritime industry. Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Svet announced the awardees in four categories: Maritime Company of the Year, Leader, Deed, and Promoter of Maritime Culture.

The appreciation event, held on November 26 at the Estonian Maritime Academy, marked a dignified conclusion to Maritime Month, which took place in September. The event highlighted the importance of the Estonian maritime industry and inspired further development of the sector.

FACTS ABOUT ESTONIA 
4000 kilometres of coastline.
6 marine technology programmes in TalTech.
500 maritime companies exporting.
222 harbors, marinas with capacity to host vessels up to 200 000 gt.

The sector contributes approximately 4% to Estonia’s GDP and plays a vital role in the country’s economy, education, and culture. However, the sector faces several challenges, including the need to meet climate goals and address security risks. “Although port cargo volumes have started to recover, international trade remains extremely difficult. Rail Baltica is an important project, but it is often forgotten that land infrastructure begins and ends with maritime infrastructure. Without maritime infrastructure, building roads or railways often makes no sense,” highlighted Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Svet.

Estonia is dependent on maritime logistics

The minister also drew attention to Estonia’s dependence on maritime logistics. “Ships are like our floating bridges – they symbolise the vital role of our external connections. Instead of tunnels and bridges, the key to our connections is in ships,” he added.

GOOD TO KNOW
Estonia´s maritime industry´s strengths are:
Sustainable and technologically advanced
Supportive business environment
Collaborative ecosystem

Svet expressed hope that Maritime Month will become a tradition that unites specialists and enhances awareness of maritime affairs within Estonian society. “If we want Estonia to truly be a maritime nation and ensure that our maritime sector is among the best in the world, we must prioritize education. We need to find ways to attract young people to the sector, improve its image, and further enhance quality,” the minister concluded.

Laureates:

Maritime Company of the Year: BLRT Tallinn Shipyard  – for the investment in a new floating dock, which will strengthen the Estonian ship repair sector. In addition, SRC Group was recognised, as well as LTH-Baas, ShoreLink and MindChip.

Maritime Leader of the Year: Argo Sildvee – for leading EMI (Estonian Manufacturing and Maritime Initiative) and creating the international image of Estonia as a maritime nation. In addition, Ulla Pirita Tapaninen, Estonian Maritime Cluster and MTÜ Estonian Youth Sailing Training Society STA Estonia were recognised.

Kapten Uno Lauri Foundation Recognitions:

Maritime Deed of the Year: STA Estonia – organizing and bringing the international regatta The Tall Ship Races to Estonia.

Promoter of Maritime Culture of the Year: Watergratt Pirita MTÜ (SAR Pirita Merepääste) – for their contribution to ensuring maritime safety and raising public awareness.

GOOD TO KNOW
Most important maritime-related articles on Trade with Estonia in 2024:

• Argo Sildvee: Estonian maritime sector embraces start-up strategies for global expansion
• LHT Baas: Growth of Estonia’s maritime sector could come from offshore wind farms
• SRC Group: Estonia’s maritime sector seizes opportunities in green transition
• The Port of Tallinn: The green transition boosts the Estonian maritime economy
• Estonian Maritime Cluster: Maritime sector eyes business opportunities in green and eco-friendly innovations
• Estonian maritime sector: Estonian maritime companies steering sector into a sustainable future with smart technology
• Estonia plans to establish a ship modernisation centre: 70 million in the horizon
• Tallinn and Helsinki Ports receive EU funding worth over €15 million for new project

Are you interested in trading with Estonia? Enterprise Estonia is providing sourcing services for foreign enterprises. Contact Estonian export advisors or use our free e-consulting service to start trade with Estonia.