Opportunities for Cooperation between Estonia and ... - Valitsus

is hampered by poor profitability. While the re-opened centre-to-centre
helicopter service provides an even closer link between the two capitals, it
also contributes to the convergence of the Estonian and Finnish business and
industry in an even wider sense. Additionally, a helicopter service between the
capitals’ airports would be worth considering, as it would reduce travel time for
those with connecting flights.
Shipping services on the Gulf of Finland have expanded rapidly over the past
few years. Although the route between Helsinki and Tallinn is of primary
importance, it would be advantageous to have the service between Kotka
and Sillamäe put on a permanent footing. Competition between shipping lines
works in the favour of all passengers. It is safe to say that the carriage of
people, vehicles and goods between Estonia and Finland by sea is quick and
relatively easy. The road connection via Latvia and Lithuania to central Europe
(Via Baltica) is the key route for road traffic; major investments are called for
to develop its southern sections in particular.
The carriage of goods by sea to Europe and even father afield is vital for Estonia
and Finland. The Baltic Motorway of the Sea supported by the EU is a thus key
project for the two countries. As maritime nations, Estonia and Finland need to
join forces to develop and implement the Union’s maritime policy. In particular,
this applies to areas such as vessel traffic control and maritime safety, winter
shipping, and preventing oil spills
The vessel traffic service system (Gofrep/VTS) in use on the Gulf of Finland
needs to be developed further. Finland and Sweden are working together to
maintain an online sea traffic monitoring system. A similar system should be
created to cover the whole Baltic Sea. In order to create a comprehensive vessel
traffic control system, it is necessary to upgrade the technical capabilities and
data exchange systems of the coastal nations.
The growth of shipping and, in particular, oil transports on the Gulf of
Finland calls for major efforts by Estonia, Finland and Russia to manage the
consequences of potential maritime accidents and improve their preparedness
with a view to oil spills. The procedures for exchanging information between
Estonian and Finnish authorities need to be perfected on an on-going basis.
Ships must be able to operate in the Gulf of Finland even when the sea is
frozen. To guarantee this, the number of ice-breakers should be increased
and their operations coordinated through joint action by Estonia, Finland and
Russia.
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