The Nordic-Baltic Maritime Forum

23 March - 26 March

Clarion Hotel Helsinki, Finland

The inaugural Nordic-Baltic Maritime Forum in Helsinki will be a landmark gathering of maritime leaders, innovators, and policymakers from across the Nordic-Baltic Eight: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden.

#NBMF26

For any queries: [email protected]

Overview

Nordic–Baltic Maritime Resilience Summit

Tuesday 24 March, 13:00 – 17:00

The event brings together leading experts involved in safeguarding the resilience and security of supply, business continuity and security of maritime transport across the Nordic and Baltic regions. This afternoon event provides an up-to-date and practical overview of how regional maritime transport resilience and security of supply can be strengthened. It also aims to share best practices from different countries for mutual benefit.

The aim of the seminar is to foster open dialogue and knowledge exchange among authorities, sectoral experts and key maritime stakeholders. The focus is on concrete cooperation models, risk-management practices and operational approaches that help ensure the uninterrupted functioning of critical maritime transport chains and security of supply, even in an evolving security environment.

The event is intended for participants such as:

national authorities responsible for maritime transport, security and preparedness
supply security and resilience experts from Nordic and Baltic ministries and agencies
representatives of port authorities and operators, maritime administrations and coast guards
critical maritime actors and logistics sector specialists, such as shipowners
researchers and expert organisations working with maritime resilience and risk management

Attendance is limited to verified professionals from Nordic and Baltic countries working in roles relevant to maritime resilience and supply security.

During the seminar, participants will explore:

current risk scenarios and the state of preparedness in the region
practical measures to enhance the resilience of maritime supply chains
shared operational models for managing critical disruptions
national experiences and best practices suitable for regional cooperation

The event offers a valuable platform for networking, identifying common development needs and strengthening regional preparedness cooperation. The programme includes expert presentations and panel discussions designed to support knowledge sharing and the development of practical, actionable solutions.

The event is organised by Port Pool / Finnish Ports Association and Maritime Transport Pool / Finnish Shipowners’ Association, under the auspices of Finnish National Emergency Supply Agency (NESA).

Finnish Shipowners Association | ship.energy

Finnish National Emergency Supply Agency | ship.energy

Programme

Nordic–Baltic Maritime Resilience Summit: Safeguarding Critical Maritime Flows Together

Held in conjunction with the Nordic-Baltic Maritime Forum

13:00 – 13:10 | Opening and Introduction

Welcome remarks from Tiina Tuurnala, Finnish Shipowners’ Association & Maritime Transport Pool & Piia Karjalainen, Finnish Ports Association, Port Pool
Brief introduction to the seminar’s objectives, programme, and practical arrangements

13:10 – 13:25 | Keynote Speech

Lulu Ranne, Minister of Transport and Communications, Finland

SESSION 1:

Regional Security Environment and the Current State of Preparedness

13:25 – 14:45 | Expert Presentations and Panel Discussion

The Nordic–Baltic Maritime Security Outlook: Key Risks and Vulnerabilities in Baltic Sea Maritime Transport

Sanna Sonninen, Maritime Safety Director, Traficom

Preparedness and Supply Chain Continuity: The Finnish Approach
(Including a short introduction to maritime transport and port pools)

Katri Liekkilä, Head of International Relations, NESA

Shared Challenges – Shared Responsibilities: How Do We Build a Resilient Maritime Region?

Commander Ilja Iljin, Deputy Commander, Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District
Janis Krastins, CEO, Maritime Administration of Latvia
Maija Mattila, Director, Labour Market and Legal, Finnish Shipowners’ Association
Jacob K. Larsen, Deputy CEO, Danish Shipping

14:45 – 15:15 | Coffee Break and Networking

SESSION 2:

Practices, Cooperation Models and Solutions for Strengthening Resilience

15:15 – 16:15 | Case Presentations and Closing Panel

Case Presentations

Insurance – best practices: Irene Philipps, COO, The Norwegian Shipowners’ Mutual War Risk Insurance Association
Logistics continuity planning and resilience – Neste’s perspectives:
Antti Rautava, Senior Chartering Manager, Neste Oyj
A shipowner’s point of view:
Kirsi Ylärinne, Chief Operating Officer, ESL Shipping Ltd

Panel Discussion: From Insights to Action: What Should the Region Do Next?

Coordinators of Nordic–Baltic intergovernmental cooperation – Antti Castren, Deputy Director, Logistics, Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency

16:45 – 17:00 | Closing Remarks and Next Steps

Registration request

Participation requires prior registration and the approval of the registration request. Please register your interest in attending the event and your application will be reviewed as soon as possible.

Please note that this event takes place as part of the Nordic-Baltic Maritime Forum and attendees who receive approval will need to register for the Forum. Registration also gives access to site visits on 24 March, the Innovation Day (25 March), and the headline conference (26 March), as well as all networking events and receptions.