Finland’s New Maritime Industry Strategy Published – Realizing Growth Potential Requires Concrete Action
The implementation of the Maritime Industry Strategy can help ensure that the full potential of the sector is realized as a driver of Finland’s economic growth. Achieving the strategy’s objectives will require determined, adequately resourced, and systematically monitored actions.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland has published a new national Maritime Industry Strategy. The strategy provides an up-to-date overview of the operating environment of the Finnish maritime industry.
“The maritime industry has emerged as one of Finland’s leading growth sectors and has a significant impact on the direction of our national economy,” emphasizes Mika Nieminen, Chair of the Board of Finnish Marine Industries and CEO of Rauma Marine Constructions.
The strategy identifies the following key themes:
- Innovation and technological leadership
- Skills and workforce availability
- Exports and new markets
- Government vessels and security of supply
- Investments, financing, and ownership
The strategy also examines the role of the state and the importance of domestic ownership in supporting the sector’s development.
According to Elina Andersson, CEO of Finnish Marine Industries, it is essential that the implementation of the strategy begins in a determined manner and in close cooperation with key stakeholders.
“Achieving the objectives requires concrete actions. Among the recommended measures, a productivity programme, a collaborative framework for research, development and piloting in connection with government vessel procurements, securing financing for growth companies and ensuring sector-specific expertise, as well as investments in export promotion, are particularly important. These measures must be supported with adequate funding, clear targets, and a regular follow-up mechanism,” Andersson stresses.
Finnish Marine Industries participated in the preparation of the strategy and is committed to continuing its active role in its implementation.
The goal is that the implementation of the strategy will further strengthen the competitiveness, growth, and renewal of the sector. While the maritime industry is already one of Finland’s key growth engines, significant untapped growth potential remains and should be fully utilized.
The preparation of the strategy began in October 2025 when the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment appointed a working group to draft a new strategy. The previous Maritime Industry Strategy dates from 2013.
With annual revenues of approximately €12 billion, the maritime industry is a strategically important and critical export sector for Finland’s security of supply. The industry directly employs more than 30,000 professionals. Finnish maritime companies export high-technology solutions for all vessel types worldwide, helping accelerate the green and digital transition in shipping.
The sector is known for shipbuilding deliveries and technology solutions for cruise ships, passenger ferries, and specialized vessels such as icebreakers and government vessels, as well as offshore operations. The industry encompasses the entire technology value chain, from shipyards and design companies to equipment and systems suppliers, turnkey providers, software companies, and material suppliers.
Further Information
Mika Nieminen
Chair of the Board, Finnish Marine Industries
CEO, Rauma Marine Constructions
+358 40 524 5649
Elina Andersson
CEO
Finnish Marine Industries
+358 40 572 1388
elina.andersson@teknologiateollisuus.fi