Ministers Ranne and Puisto hosted discussion on competitiveness and security of ports

Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne and Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto hosted a roundtable discussion on the competitiveness and security of Finland’s ports on 7 April 2026.

The meeting focused on the role of ports, their development opportunities and challenges, and the measures needed to ensure Finland’s competitiveness and resilience. Disruption-free operation of ports is vital for Finland’s security, competitiveness and foreign trade, because some 95 per cent of the country’s foreign trade in goods moves by sea. Ports are key logistics hubs that also handle a significant share of road and rail freight.

“Finland is a maritime‑driven economy, and our ports are both critical infrastructure and a foundation for economic growth. It is now essential to form a clear overall picture and move towards concrete solutions. We need stronger protection and monitoring of port infrastructure, less permit‑related red tape and tighter control of logistics costs,” said Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

“We must look at competitiveness, security and security of supply in Finland’s ports together, not in isolation. Developing digital freight corridors will gradually build a clearer view of the whole transport chain and improve our ability to respond to disruptions. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is advancing solutions that ensure secure data flows and strengthen both business competitiveness and Finland’s security of supply in all circumstances,” said Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto.

The roundtable event brought together a wide range of authorities and representatives from port logistics and industry.

What’s next?

National cooperation on ports helps advance joint advocacy at the EU level and in other international contexts. For example, the Transport Council's June meeting is likely to discuss the EU Ports Strategy, which the European Commission published on 4 March 2026.

Inquiries:

Requests for interviews with Minister Lulu Ranne: Markus Liesegang, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 342 042, [email protected]

Requests for interviews with Minister Sakari Puisto: Lotta Laitinen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Economic Affairs, tel. +358 295 049 058, [email protected]

Competitiveness and safety of ports: Ritva Hautanen, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Transport and Communications, tel. +358 295 342 081, [email protected]

Digital corridors: Mika Kataikko, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 116, [email protected]