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26.1.2026 | On 26 January 2026, Finland and 13 other European countries published a letter to the International Maritime Community on the safety and security risks caused by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference. The signatories of the letter include the coastal states of the Baltic Sea and the North Sea: Finland, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom as well as Iceland.

17.7.2026 | On 17 July 2026, the European Commission gave a proposal to amend the EU Emissions Trading Directive. According to the proposal, the scope of emissions trading in both aviation and maritime transport would expand. The reform is based on the EU’s decision on the 2040 climate target. The EU ‘s net emissions will be reduced by 90 per cent by 2040, compared to 1990.

4.8.2026 | On 31 July 2026, the state-owned special assignment company Arctia, which operates under the ownership steering of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, signed a chartering agreement to operate a multi-purpose icebreaker in the Canadian Arctic in late 2026. 

23.3.2023 | The EU Member States, the European Parliament and the European Commission have reached a preliminary agreement on the use of renewable and low-emission fuels in maritime transport. Agreement on the so-called FuelEU Maritime Regulation was reached in trilogue negotiations on 22 March 2023. In the agreement reached, Finland’s particular characteristics in winter navigation are well taken into account. The agreement will be confirmed at the meeting of the Council of Ministers.

23.3.2023 | The EU Member States, the European Parliament and the European Commission have reached a preliminary agreement on the use of renewable and low-emission fuels in maritime transport. Agreement on the so-called FuelEU Maritime Regulation was reached in trilogue negotiations on 22 March 2023. In the agreement reached, Finland's particular characteristics in winter navigation are well taken into account. The agreement will be confirmed at the meeting of the Council of Ministers.

8.7.2021 | Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka has sent a letter to European Commission Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans concerning emissions trading in maritime transport. Minister Harakka stresses that the special circumstances related to winter navigation should be taken into account in the Commission's proposal for emissions trading, and the proposal should also include an assessment of its impacts on the relative competitiveness of Member States.

8.7.2021 | Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka has sent a letter to European Commission Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans concerning emissions trading in maritime transport. Minister Harakka stresses that the special circumstances related to winter navigation should be taken into account in the Commission's proposal for emissions trading, and the proposal should also include an assessment of its impacts on the relative competitiveness of Member States.

16.2.2026 | On 16 February 2026, Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne and Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apóstolos Tzitzikóstas visited the Gulf of Finland to learn about icebreaking. On board icebreaker Sisu, the Minister and Commissioner discussed topics related to icebreaking and other current issues concerning the transport sector. Sisu was the first place that the Commissioner visited in Finland.

4.5.2026 | The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) met in London from 27 April to 1 May 2026. As expected, the Committee’s 84th session again allowed more time for negotiations on measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. 

17.7.2026 | On 17 July 2026, the European Commission gave a proposal on the reform of the Emissions Trading Directive. The Commission will reform emissions trading to promote the implementation of the 2040 climate target and ensure predictable regulation in the emissions trading sector.

5.6.2026 | The EU Transport and Telecommunications Council will convene in Luxembourg on 8-9 June 2026. Finland will be represented by Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne on the Transport Council, and by State Secretary Marjo Lindgren on the Telecommunications Council.

16.10.2025 | The Ministry of Transport and Communications is preparing a long-term investment programme, based on the Government Programme, to renew Finland’s icebreaking fleet. In addition, Sanna Ruuskanen, Director of Unit at the Ministry of Transport and Communications, will be appointed as a new member of the Board of Directors of Arctia Ltd, Finland’s state-owned icebreaking company.

14.2.2025 | Finland and Sweden will strengthen their cooperation in renewing their icebreaker fleets and ensuring operational coordination. This was decided when the Governments of Finland and Sweden met in September 2024.

17.12.2024 | Finland is actively involved in international efforts to keep shipping and the marine environment safe in the Baltic Sea.

18.10.2024 | On 18 October 2024, Minister of Transport, Communications and the Interior Lulu Ranne signed a decision to alter the composition of Arctia Ltd’s board of directors. A new special assignment for Arctia will also be incorporated into the company’s articles of association.

16.2.2023 | The Government has adopted a resolution on the National Strategy for the Prevention of and Response to Environmental Damage extending to 2035. The Strategy was adopted at the government session on 16 February. Its main objective is to guide the authorities’ preparedness for current and future threats of environmental damage. The Strategy needed to be updated to ensure that the responsibilities of different actors are in line with the current legislation.

22.8.2024 | The responsibility for the ownership steering of Arctia Ltd will be transferred from the Ownership Steering Department of the Prime Minister’s Office to the Ministry of Transport and Communications. On 22 August 2024, the Government issued a decree amending the Decree on the Ministry of Transport and Communications and a decree amending the Decree on the Prime Minister's Office.

30.9.2024 | The Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization convenes in London from 30 September to 4 October 2024. The 82nd session of the Committee continues the negotiations on global actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. The topics include the package of a possible fuel standard and a price for carbon emissions. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications Minna Kivimäki attends the session on 30 September–2 October 2024.

5.3.2024 | Permanent Secretary Minna Kivimäki will visit Brussels on 6–8 March 2024. The aim of the visit is to exert influence on the future work programme of the European Commission. 

14.12.2023 | According to the Government Programme, the halving of fairway dues will be made a permanent practice. The change will take place in two stages.