The Port of Helsinki (Finland) has entered into a 3-year main partnership with the John Nurminen Foundation, an organisation dedicated to safeguarding the marine environment of the Baltic Sea. The agreement forms part of the port’s broader sustainability programme, which centres on reducing the environmental impact of port activities and supporting efforts to address climate change.
According to the port’s chief executive, Ville Haapasaari, the sea holds considerable significance for those working at the port and is fundamental to the organisation’s operations. He indicated that the Baltic Sea and its ecosystem remain essential to the port’s business, noting that the organisation has spent decades working to limit the environmental burden created by port activity, maritime transport and logistics. Sustainable development, he explained, continues to be a central strategic priority.
Haapasaari further noted that the port has collaborated with various partners to improve the efficiency of wastewater reception from ships and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution across both its own operations and the wider port value chain.
The port has also placed emphasis on promoting a sustainable blue economy based on marine resources. In this context, ports are seen as playing an important role in facilitating the distribution of alternative, more environmentally friendly fuels and advancing the electrification of shipping.
For the foundation, whose work focuses on improving the condition of the Baltic Sea, the collaboration represents further support for its environmental initiatives. Its chief executive, Annamari Arrakoski‑Engardt, indicated that the organisation works to protect marine ecosystems by addressing issues such as eutrophication and the release of harmful substances into the sea. She also acknowledged that ports have a significant role in achieving emission reductions and expressed appreciation for the port’s long-term commitment to improving the condition of the Baltic Sea and strengthening public connections with the marine environment.