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