The European Union has taken a significant step in strengthening maritime connectivity and sustainable logistics by investing €22 million into the development of port infrastructure at two vital Baltic Sea ports—Helsinki in Finland and Lübeck-Travemünde in Germany. The investment forms part of the broader Hansalink 3 project, a cross-border initiative aimed at modernising sea transport systems and bolstering freight and passenger movement across Europe.
Out of the total EU co-financing, the Port of Helsinki is set to receive approximately €12 million, which will go towards implementing advanced infrastructure and sustainable technologies. The remaining amount will be allocated to similar upgrades at the Port of Lübeck-Travemünde. Together, the two ports will witness the construction of automated mooring systems and the installation of onshore power supply units compatible with next-generation Finnlines vessels. These systems are expected to streamline docking procedures and reduce emissions, aligning with the EU’s Fit for 55 climate targets. Officials from both port authorities have emphasised the strategic significance of the Hansalink 3 project, noting that the upgrades will reduce turnaround times, cut energy usage, and enhance intermodal freight efficiency. The enhancements will not only improve operational capabilities but also bring the port areas into compliance with evolving European Union directives on carbon neutrality, digital transformation, and maritime safety.
The Hansalink 3 project, which builds on previous EU-supported initiatives dating back to 2014, is funded through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The CEF is the EU’s flagship financial mechanism for supporting infrastructure development across transport, energy, and digital sectors. The entire Hansalink 3 project is expected to cost €45 million and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. In addition to improving physical port infrastructure, the project also includes digitalisation efforts aimed at optimising freight and passenger movement. The deployment of advanced IT systems for real-time logistics tracking, automated ticketing, and AI-enabled traffic forecasting will further ensure the seamless integration of maritime and hinterland transport networks.
Experts believe the investment will have ripple effects across northern Europe’s logistics sector, particularly benefiting shipping operators and logistics firms that rely on punctual and sustainable port services. The modernisation of ports also supports the broader EU goal of shifting freight transport from road to rail and sea to reduce congestion and emissions. Sustainability remains at the heart of the Hansalink 3 initiative. By implementing onshore power supply systems, vessels docked at the ports will no longer need to run auxiliary engines, significantly lowering local air pollution and noise levels. These efforts resonate with the European Green Deal and align with global climate action strategies aiming to decarbonise transport.
Port representatives have confirmed that stakeholder consultations are underway to coordinate construction timelines, minimise disruptions, and ensure seamless transitions once the new systems are in place. The modernisation works are expected to create hundreds of green jobs during the implementation phase and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of both ports. The partnership between the Finnish and German port authorities also reflects the EU’s commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration for critical infrastructure projects. This spirit of cooperation ensures that maritime trade routes remain resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible.
As Europe continues to invest in sustainable transport infrastructure, projects like Hansalink 3 serve as model examples of how strategic funding, public-private cooperation, and advanced technologies can transform regional logistics. With Baltic Sea routes playing a pivotal role in European trade, the €22 million investment signals a forward-thinking approach to connectivity, climate responsibility, and economic resilience. The upgraded Helsinki and Lübeck-Travemünde ports will soon be among the most advanced in the region, equipped to handle increasing cargo volumes, complex passenger flows, and the demands of a digitally enabled maritime economy. By 2027, the two ports will not only reflect Europe’s infrastructural ambitions but also its steadfast commitment to sustainable growth and regional integration.
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