In the Gulf of Finland, marine activities are successfully coordinated while fostering good marine environmental status. The area is home to blue economy expertise, especially in the maritime logistics and sustainable tourism sectors.

Resource efficiency and carbon neutrality are significant development targets both in terms of coastal towns and cities and with regard to the entire marine area.

The Gulf of Finland is a vital maritime transport area, in which traffic will continue to be brisk. The area hosts Finland’s leading international ports, which are globally competitive. The ports create growth and represent important points of interaction between land and sea. Shipping and maritime logistics innovations lay the foundation for competitiveness and sustainable development in the sector.

A potential railway tunnel between Finland and Estonia will open up new logistics and travel connections to the rest of Europe.

The Helsinki Metropolitan Area is the tourist gateway to the area. Key tourist destinations also include other seaside towns and cities – i.e. Hanko, Raseborg, Porvoo, Loviisa, Kotka and Hamina – as well as their adjacent archipelago areas. The wide variety of services on offer in the unique archipelago attracts tourists as well as new inhabitants and organisations.

Tourism and recreation draw on the marine character of the coastal towns and cities and the marine nature of the coastal area as a whole. Recreational services have been developed on the basis of the needs of local residents. The operating preconditions for fishing have been secured. The area produces local food sustainably and responsibly.

Cooperation has been developed in research into marine areas, blue biotechnology and the blue bioeconomy. It has enabled innovation, product development and new job creation.

Marine activities are carried out so as to promote good marine environmental status and underwater biodiversity. Nature and cultural values are viewed as assets.