#MyPortForTurku
- The European Maritime Day exhibition displays photos of European harbours.
- The photos are a result of a competition organised by the European Commission through social networks, called #MyPortForTurku
- The competition attracted almost 600 pictures from 166 ports in 24 countries.
- An independent jury chose 50 best photos to be exhibited.
- From Turku the photos will travel to several other European cities.
The main focus of the conference is on how more investments could be directed to the blue economy of maritime economy and shipping industry. The conference offers the operators of the maritime field a dynamic platform for dialogue and exchange. The discussions also help the European Commission to shape its future maritime policy.
“Throughout the world, more and more opportunities for 'blue' growth and jobs are being identified”, Commissioner Karmenu Vella, who is responsible for the EU’s environmental, maritime, and fishing matters, reminds.
According to Karmenu Vella, the EU is in the lead on several blue economy technologies, such as renewable energy or clean shipping.
“We are leading because we have invested. Our commitment to sustainability is what gives us our competitive edge and what will open up new global business opportunities for our industry.”
Finland to become a pioneer in clean solutions
The Finnish Government will be represented by Minister of Agriculture and the Environment Kimmo Tiilikainen and Minister of Transport and Communications Anne Berner.
According to Prime Minister Juha Sipilä, the government’s goal is to make Finland a forerunner in the bioeconomy, circular economy and cleantech by 2025.
“Sustainable solutions speed up export and employment. With better regulation we can increase investments that will help boost economic growth. At the moment, we are also preparing a national development plan for the blue bioeconomy to capitalise on the growth potential of the sector. Furthermore, we will do our part to safeguard the future of the maritime cluster”, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä says.
Turku is at the heart of the Finnish maritime cluster
Over 1000 conference guests will gather in Turku. They will be able to choose from 21 stakeholder workshops, 5 thematic sessions (Investing in blue growth, Improving ocean governance, Boosting skills development, Harnessing clean energy, and Facilitating joint action) and two ‘Leadership Exchange’ discussion panels for top leaders.
“Turku has the honour of hosting the most notable maritime event in Europe. Turku is at the heart of the Finnish maritime cluster and the Baltic Sea co-operation. Turku designs and builds the largest and most environmentally friendly cruise ships in the world. We will actively continue our work toward wellbeing and cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region. We also have our eyes on new maritime possibilities”, Aleksi Randell, Mayor of Turku, says.