Attending Singapore Maritime Week 2024 for the first time was Sandra Särav, deputy minister for economy and innovation of Estonia. This was also the first maritime delegation from Estonia to Singapore, and in an interview with Maritime Fairtrade, Särav elaborated on the factors which are transforming Estonia’s maritime sector and its future.
In January, it was announced that Baltic Workboats AS will design and construct Estonia’s first biomethane-powered workboat for the Estonian State Fleet. How did this partnership come about, and what needs would it meet in Estonia’s maritime industry, especially in green progress?
The partnership between Baltic Workboats AS and the Estonian State Fleet emerged through a strategic alignment of goals aimed at modernizing Estonia’s maritime industry while prioritizing environmental sustainability. With the national objective of developing a modern and eco-friendly fleet, seizing the opportunity to construct a contemporary multifunctional workboat was pivotal. Baltic Workboats AS, chosen as the winner of the tender, brings with it a wealth of experience in shipbuilding, ensuring the project’s success.
This collaboration not only fulfills Estonia’s goal of upgrading its fleet but also catalyzes progress towards a greener maritime industry. By opting for a biomethane-powered workboat, the project sets an example for utilizing alternative fuels, thereby stimulating the demand for green energy sources in the market. The government’s commitment to this eco-friendly initiative encourages private sector investment in green technologies and energy carriers, fostering a sustainable ecosystem.
Moreover, the adoption of biomethane as a power source significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the workboat compared to traditional diesel-powered vessels. This move not only aligns with global efforts to combat climate change but also positions Estonia as a leader in environmentally responsible maritime practices. Furthermore, by potentially sourcing biomethane locally, the project could enhance economic sustainability in the long run.
In essence, the partnership between Baltic Workboats AS and the Estonian State Fleet represents a proactive step towards achieving both modernization and environmental sustainability in Estonia’s maritime industry. Through the adoption of biomethane-powered technology, the project addresses the pressing need for greener alternatives in the sector, contributing to the overall progress towards a more sustainable future.
Estonia is embarking on a master plan to build and expand its ship registry. Please share more on this decision and how the government plans to achieve this goal.
Estonia’s reputation for excellence in digital governance uniquely positions it to revolutionize the maritime industry through innovative digital services. Recognizing the inefficiencies of the current bureaucratic system, which often delays ship registration and complicates the process for clients, Estonia aims to streamline and modernize its ship registry. The envisioned ‘master plan’ involves leveraging Estonia’s digital expertise to create a customer-centric approach, ensuring that ship registration becomes more efficient and user-friendly.
Central to this initiative is the redesign of both the service framework and the flexibility of the registers. By embracing digital solutions and optimizing service design, Estonia seeks to expedite the registration process, thereby reducing administrative burdens and enhancing the overall experience for shipowners. This approach aligns with Estonia’s ethos of digital innovation and customer satisfaction.
The government’s commitment to this endeavor signifies a strategic move towards enhancing Estonia’s maritime infrastructure and fostering growth in the industry. Through the implementation of the master plan, Estonia aims to attract more vessels to its registry, bolstering its position as a leading maritime hub in the Baltic region.
In summary, Estonia’s decision to embark on a master plan to build and expand its ship registry underscores its dedication to leveraging digital capabilities for the benefit of the maritime sector.
By prioritizing customer-friendly services and embracing digital innovation, the government aims to streamline ship registration processes, stimulate industry growth, and reinforce Estonia’s reputation as a global leader in digital governance.
Geopolitical tensions have been rocking the waves in the international maritime industry. For Estonia, how has it navigated these treacherous times while maintaining diplomatic relations?
Amidst the significant impact of EU sanctions on Estonia’s traditional maritime economy, characterized by a notable decrease in cargo flows and idle ports, the nation is proactively seeking solutions to revitalize and diversify its maritime sector. Recognizing the need for innovation and adaptation, Estonia is embarking on the creation of the ‘Estonian Marinetech&Retrofit HUB’, a comprehensive initiative aimed at harnessing the country’s maritime potential and aligning it with global objectives.
This strategic move underscores Estonia’s commitment to navigating the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions while maintaining diplomatic relations. By focusing on technological innovation and retrofitting solutions, Estonia aims to mitigate the adverse effects of sanctions and geopolitical uncertainties on its maritime economy.
Moreover, by fostering collaboration and offering a complete package of services, the Estonian Marinetech&Retrofit HUB seeks to position Estonia as a resilient and forward-thinking player in the international maritime industry.
Through effective diplomatic engagement and proactive measures, Estonia is navigating the turbulent waters of geopolitical tensions while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and prosperity in its maritime sector. This approach reflects Estonia’s resilience and determination to overcome challenges and emerge stronger on the global stage.
Innovation and sustainability are the backbone of Estonia’s maritime sector. Last December, Estonia called for a tender for a zero emissions ferry which will run solely on hydrogen fuel. Besides this, please share other innovation and sustainability efforts that the sector is pursuing.
Estonia’s maritime sector is renowned for its innovative solutions that prioritize sustainability and efficiency. Among the standout companies in this realm are SRC and ShoreLink, each contributing to the industry’s advancement in distinct ways. SRC’s revolutionary methanol tank system solution optimizes space in tank bunkers, enabling ships to carry over 85% power on board while transitioning to alternative fuels.
Additionally, ShoreLink’s shore power systems provide docked ships with access to local electricity grids, allowing them to switch off their engines during layovers, thus reducing emissions and environmental impact.
These companies exemplify Estonia’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector. Baltic Workboats, another key player, leads in shipbuilding innovation, offering eco-friendly solutions that align with global environmental goals. Furthermore, Estonia’s maritime industry is supported by various sensor manufacturers developing advanced monitoring systems for maritime areas, enhancing safety and environmental protection.
In line with this ethos, Estonia recently initiated a tender for a zero-emissions ferry powered solely by hydrogen fuel, further showcasing its dedication to clean energy technologies. These efforts underscore Estonia’s position as a leader in sustainable maritime practices, setting new standards for quality and eco-consciousness on an international scale.
How would you describe Singapore and Estonia’s bilateral relations in the maritime sector, and what future cooperation do you hope both countries can strive towards?
Singapore and Estonia have the opportunity to forge stronger ties in the maritime sector, leveraging their respective strengths to drive global innovation and sustainability standards. Both nations can deepen collaboration in research and development, particularly in green technologies aimed at reducing emissions and environmental impact in the maritime industry. Additionally, there is immense potential for joint efforts in developing smart port infrastructure, enhancing efficiency and connectivity in maritime trade.
Despite geographical distance, Estonia has consistently supported Singapore’s maritime endeavors, including backing in international forums such as the IMO Council elections. However, there is room for increased collaboration, especially considering Singapore’s One-Stop Shop service concept and Estonia’s expertise in IT. By sharing best practices and fostering cooperation in areas such as ship registries, both countries can benefit from mutual learning and innovation.
Looking ahead, Singapore and Estonia can strive towards deeper bilateral relations in the maritime sector, built on the foundation of shared values and aspirations for industry excellence. Future cooperation may involve joint research projects, technology exchanges, and policy dialogues aimed at advancing sustainability, digitalization, and efficiency in maritime operations. By working together, Singapore and Estonia have the potential to lead by example and set global benchmarks for maritime innovation and sustainability.
Photo credit: Estonia government. Sandra Särav, deputy minister for economy and innovation, Estonia.
