Maritime affairs

The White Paper on Maritime Policy

Under the Transport and Mobility Development Plan for 2021–2035, the white paper outlines the vision, key principles or assumptions for the development of the maritime economy of Estonia and defines the most important objectives for the development of the sector. The White Paper also describes the current state of the Estonian maritime industry based on surveys and statistical data, maps the key challenges, ie development needs, and proposes possible solutions.

The White Paper on Maritime Policy (in Estonian) was prepared in co-operation between ministries and with the involvement of different stakeholders. Input was provided by enterprises, professional associations, educational and research institutions as well as non-profit organisations.

Key priorities in Estonian maritime affairs:

• An entrepreneur-friendly environment that is internationally competitive and fosters innovation.
• A maritime economy that is environmentally sustainable, safe and secure.
• State-of-the-art sector-specific research and development as well as maritime education that addresses future competencies and needs.
• An attractive coastal living and visitor environment that supports coastal tourism, fosters local business development and preserves maritime heritage.
• An innovative and competitive maritime industry.
• A maritime sector integrated with the strategic needs of both Estonia and our allies.

Maritime safety

The primary responsibility of the State in the maritime sector is to ensure maritime safety. This includes activities such as dredging, installing navigation aids, managing vessel traffic and certifying seafarers. Maritime safety is overseen by the Transport Administration. To ensure maritime safety, the pilotage service is provided by the state-owned company AS Eesti Loots. International co-operation plays an important role in ensuring maritime safety, safeguarding the marine environment and advancing the maritime sector as a key economic sector. The most important international organisations in the maritime field, in whose work Estonia also participates, are the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM).