The port authorities together with the Tallink Grupp have submitted applications for funding from the EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF),Baltic Ports Organization said in its media release.
The current application is a follow-up of the TWIN-PORT project, EU co-financed within the previous TEN-T scheme, and will serve the same goals, namely the development of the Hel-Tal port infrastructure to provide greater pax & cargo handling capacity (today the line serves over 8 mln travellers as well as more than 3 mln tn of freight per annum). Altogether, the core TEN-T ports of Helsinki and Tallinn are investing EUR 100 mln into this development.
"The investments in our ports will greatly improve both ports' capacity to serve the maritime link between Helsinki and Tallinn. Infrastructure improvements within the ports and the connecting city areas will serve also both cities well," Ain Kaljurand, CEO of Port of Tallinn, commented.
Kimmo Mäki, CEO of Port of Helsinki, added: "Tallink's contribution in the project is essential containing the development of a new environmentally friendly LNG vessel with efficiency related solutions targeting the route to become a truly Green Shipping Line. We hope the EU-commission will support our efforts."
"It is crucial that the ports continue the joint effort to develop the Helsinki-Tallinn connection. We are glad that Tallink can be part of this and contribute with the latest technology, energy efficiency and environmental innovation," Janek Stalmeister, CEO of the Tallink Grupp, summed up.
The application is being now evaluated and the European Commission is expected to give notice later during this year's summer.