Minister Paatero receives report on Arctia Shipping Ltd
(Translation. Originally published in Finnish on 9 October 2014)
Sirpa Paatero, the minister responsible for the exercise of control in state-owned companies, today received a report on Arctia Shipping Ltd prepared by rapporteur Lauri Ratia. The report reviews the current situation and future prospects related to ice-breaking operations in Finnish territorial seas and the market for maritime services in the polar regions. The report was ordered by Pekka Haavisto, her predecessor, to provide data in support of further preparations in view of the company’s future operations and priorities.
“Arctia Shipping possesses world-class expertise in ice-breaking operations in home waters as well as in providing polar maritime services. The report explores the most economic and efficient ways of modernising the ice-breaker fleet, which is approaching the end of its service life, in order to ensure winter shipping on the Baltic under all conditions. The report also addresses the option of increasing the utilisation rate of the naval fleet for ice management purposes in polar sea areas and assesses the related risks and benefits,” says Minister Paatero.
“The report provides important information in support of government policies as to how to make full use of the top Finnish expertise in this field in a responsible and efficient manner. I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to Lauri Ratia for a thorough and carefully prepared report.”
The report is not a public document since it contains confidential corporate information. Following a political review, the State will stake out its position as to the future strategy of the company. The process is due for completion during the current year.
Inquiries: Adviser Valtteri Aaltonen, tel. 050 462 6693, valtteri.aaltonen(at)vnk.fi; and Special Adviser Paavali Kukkonen, tel. 050 566 3455 paavali.kukkonen(at)vnk.fi, Prime Minister’s Office