Finland is one of the first countries in the world to introduce solutions based on the new international S-100 family of standards in maritime transport. The aim of the solutions is to make digital maritime information more uniform and easier to use in different systems. The distribution service developed by Fintraffic will enable the transmission of navigational warnings in digital format directly to ships’ navigation systems.

Today, 24 September, is the IMO’s World Maritime Day. Its two-year theme for 2026–2027 is From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence. This theme encourages us to put internationally agreed objectives and rules into practice – through national legislation, work of the public authorities, and everyday actions. Good regulation is a foundation, but safety can only be built upon it when the objectives become practical solutions and the continuous development of operations.

In safety-critical work, mental well-being is not a soft bonus – it is an inseparable part of work performance. Chief Human Resources Officer Hanna Hovi emphasises that traffic control requires alertness, rest and trust in the work community at all times, exceptional circumstances included.

The Erasmus+ DigiMar project, concluding at the end of September, has brought together maritime higher education institutions and VTS organisations from six European countries. The project has developed open-access learning materials based on authentic communication situations, as well as research-based recommendations for improving routine maritime communication.

The EU co-funded NELSON project has reached its first anniversary. As expected, the first year has focused largely on planning and preparations to establish a solid foundation for the work ahead. At the same time, several activities have now moved into the implementation phase, marking an important transition from planning to delivery.

As part of the NELSON project, the functionality of a ship reporting portal developed by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) over several years was put to the test in Europe-wide operational trials. The tests support NELSON’s work to integrate EMSA’s Integrated Reports Distribution (IRD) platform into national reporting systems in Finland and Sweden—and thereby advancing the digitalisation of maritime reporting.

By 2040, the Finnish transport system will have been shaped by a number of major drivers: climate change, uncertainty in the security environment, technological advancement, transport regulation and the changing needs of mobility and logistics. These changes will increase the need to develop the transport system as a whole, more proactively and with a higher impact. Fintraffic’s Traffic Vision describes developments in Finland's transport system until 2040 and highlights the importance of an intelligent transport system for Finland’s competitiveness, reliability of society and smooth everyday life.

During the first six months of this year, Fintraffic’s traffic management has operated safely and in line with the objectives for all modes of transport. This has been highly important for the whole of Finland as our airspace and maritime areas have had to be closed due to ongoing military operations nearby. Meanwhile, we have driven reforms that strengthen the reliability, continuity and efficiency of traffic control operations. Demand for digital transport services continues to grow steadily, indicating increasing importance of up-to-date traffic information for people and the entire transport system.

After three years of piloting digital maritime services in the Baltic Sea region, the MaDaMe project is hosting its final seminar, "Shaping the Future of e-Navigation".

Renovation work in the Vuosaari tunnel has progressed during the summer, and the project is well on schedule. The upgrading of tunnel safety equipment and other tunnel technology as well as the replacement of the drainage and extinguishing water systems running under the tunnel are at an advanced stage. Next, the tunnel will proceed to a large-scale testing phase.

Passengers move about in an unhurried manner along the corridors of a ship – some are heading to eat, while others are admiring the view of the winter landscape behind the large panoramic windows. Passengers include those travelling to Pärnu for a spa holiday with their own car and professional drivers for whom this voyage is part of their route to Muuga Harbour.

Remote pilotage continues to attract growing international interest. Within the EU-co-funded NELSON project, Finnpilot Pilotage is leading the development of future remote pilotage concepts together with pilots, researchers, technology providers and other stakeholders. The aim is to better understand the operational, technical and human factors that will shape future implementation.

Fintraffic will be controlling train traffic outside Finland for the first time when VR starts passenger train traffic from Tornio to Haparanda in Sweden in August. Fintraffic is responsible for the traffic control of the new train connection on both sides of the border.

Are you looking to improve maritime communication skills and situational awareness? Are you an educator eager to enhance digital learning in maritime training? Or, are you a student interested in cutting-edge digital tools for lifelong learning? If you answered yes to any of the questions or the topics are of your interest, please join the webinar to hear future challenges and innovations in maritime communication, maritime training and lifelong learning!

According to Fintraffic’s traffic data, approximately half of drivers on Finland’s main roads exceed the speed limit. Most drivers exceed the speed limit by only a small margin, but even minor speeding increases the risk of a serious traffic accident.