Estonia is a transformative force in the global maritime sector, leading the industry towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.

By integrating smart technologies into the maritime sector, Estonia leads the way in producing vessels and maritime solutions that are besides quality also environmentally conscious.

This commitment to green technologies aligns with global sustainability goals and makes Estonia a gateway to responsible maritime practices, such as offering remoted controlled fairlead locking systems, SPS technology and methanol superstorage.  These three companies serve as good examples of innovative maritime industry companies.

Seamless maritime gateway of the Baltic Sea

Port of Tallinn is the biggest port authority in Estonia and an active player in the Baltic Sea, located in the southern coast of Gulf of Finland. Port of Tallinn aspires to become the most innovative port in the region, creating the best environment and development opportunities for clients, providing access to the heart of supply chains.

Port of Tallinn is daily engaged in four business directions: cargo and passenger transportation, real estate development, and maritime logistics. Evolving supply chains, especially nearshoring trends, are impacting the port’s operations as companies seek greener and more efficient ways for production and transportation.

The Port of Tallinn’s ports are continuously advancing with investments in smart, automated technologies. Committed to environmental sustainability, the Port has signed a FIN-EST Green Corridor agreement to establish a climate-neutral maritime link and customer journey. Already having implemented automooring, onshore power, seaheating and cooling and other solutions in the port.

Tallinn Port’s urban development vision continues, aiming for a vibrant, eco-friendly waterfront development with seamless tram and light-traffic connections to enhance accessibility and sustainability. Another key project includes constructing an offshore wind farm quay at Paldiski South harbour by spring 2026. Starting from 2026 it is planned to use the same area for the production of alternative fuels.

„Strong competitiveness is guaranteed by a well-balanced business model, cooperation, know-how, and people with long-term invaluable experience. They make us resilient to crises and help implement new growth projects,“ said Valdo Kalm, Port of Tallinn´s Chairman of the Board.

The Port of Tallinn has evolved into a forward-looking development and service enterprise, dedicated to creating sustainable growth environment for its customers. World-class transport infrastructure with diverse connections via sea, road, air and rail networks ensure connections to millions of customers in Scandinavia, Baltics and other regions. As the development of the industrial parks in Muuga and Paldiski expands, its significance will expand further.

FACTS

Founded: in 1992
Sector: maritime
Employees: nearly 500
Location: passenger ports in Tallinn and Saaremaa; cargo ports in Paldiski and Muuga
Ship visits: 1,600 cargo and 6,000 passenger ship visits per year
Number of passengers: 10 million passengers per year
Volume of goods: 20 million tons per year
http://portoftallinn.com

“Our commitment to providing innovative solutions isn’t just about staying competitive—it’s about shaping the future of shipping.”
Hannes Lilp, CEO of SRC Group

SRC Group supports climate targets in maritime industry

Although shipping is one of the most efficient ways to transport cargo, it still emits nearly 3% of the world’s GHG emissions. This is the challenge that SRC is willing to solve.

SRC helps the maritime industry meet climate targets by providing solutions for making ships more sustainable and efficient. They install systems that treat ballast and wastewater, retrofit shorepower systems, install exhaust gas scrubber systems, and, with their novel solution Methanol Superstorage help to integrate alternative fuels — anything that helps convert ships to meet a greener and more efficient future.

„Our commitment to providing innovative solutions isn’t just about staying competitive—it’s about shaping the future of shipping. By helping companies meet environmental regulations and operate more efficiently, we’re not only driving growth but also setting new standards for industry excellence,“ said Hannes Lilp, CEO of SRC Group.

„This matters because it ensures our clients stay ahead of the curve and strengthens SRC’s position as a leader in the field,“ he added.

As a result of SRC’s solutions, ships can significantly decrease their environmental impact by reducing emissions and minimising pollution in the ocean. This leads to a cleaner marine ecosystem, healthier oceans, and helps the maritime industry meet its climate targets. Additionally, these sustainable practices pave the way for a more sustainable future for the shipping industry and the planet as a whole.

FACTS

Founded: 2001
Sector: marine & offshore
Services: SRC provides design and engineering, technical and interior refit services in maritime and offshore sectors. SRC executes repairs, retrofit projects, specialised short lead time conversions and complex tailored conversions in remote areas for demanding customers worldwide.
Employees: 80
Location: Estonia, Norway, The Netherlands, Italy, USA, Poland with sales agents in Mexico and South Korea
Clients: Royal Caribbean, Jan de Nul, ABB, Norwegian Cruise Line, Wärtsilä, and many more
https://src.ee/

Tailored shore power and charging solutions between vessels and ports

ShoreLink is an innovative Estonian company providing tailored shore power and shore charging solutions, driving the transition towards greener port operations globally.

ShoreLink started its journey due to the need for electrification in the maritime industry, originating from European Union regulations aimed at reducing emissions in the maritime sector.

ShoreLink emerged when an engineering firm was tasked with supplying cable management systems for an electrification project at the Port of Tallinn. The challenge lies in innovating solutions to connect vessels to shoreside electrical power while their engines are shut down, thereby minimising reliance on fossil fuels and curbing harmful emissions, particularly in ports. ShoreLink engineered, manufactured, and delivered cable management systems.

„ShoreLink is dedicated to providing innovative shore power and charging solutions that contribute to a clean and sustainable maritime Industry,“ said Martin Mehilane, Managing Director of ShoreLink.

Their product is a sophisticated cable management system designed to supply power to vessels in ports. Each system, both hardware and software, is custom-made to meet the specific needs and requirements of individual ports, considering factors such as infrastructure, vessel types, and operational demands.

„Our dynamic and passionate team is committed to leveraging our diverse skills and expertise to deliver advanced technology aimed at eliminating emissions in ports worldwide,“ added Mehilane.

The solutions enables ports and vessels to achieve climate goals and support maritime sector electrification and autonomous shipping. ShoreLink’s debut project at the Port of Tallinn yielded remarkable success, establishing itself as a key player in the maritime electrification sector.

The company’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction enabled swift adoption of its solutions, leading to installations across Europe, including ports in Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, and France. ShoreLink is also on the journey to broaden its market position to the United States and Asian ports. ShoreLink has received Ports and Harbor Innovation of Year award at the Electric & Hybrid Marine World Expo in 2023.

FACTS

Founded: in 2020 by Scaleup company
Sector: Maritime, Energy
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Main export markets: Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, France, India, and the Emirates
Memberships: Estonian Maritime Cluster, European Onshore Power SupplyAssociation (EOPSA), Alianza Net-Zero MAR
https://shore-link.eu/ 

GOOD TO KNOW
Estonia has 4000 km of coastline, 222 harbors, marinas, and cargo parts with capacity to host vessels up to 200 000 gt and 500 maritime companies exporting.

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