As maritime trade, climate pressures, and geopolitical challenges converge, the Baltic Sea region faces a critical turning point. In his new report “Shipping in the Baltic Sea: Where We Stand and What Comes Next”, BSPC Rapporteur on Integrated Maritime Policy and President of Ålands Lagting, Jörgen Pettersson, outlines the strategic choices ahead for the region’s policymakers.
Presented in preparation of the 34th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference in Mariehamn on 24-26 August, the 2025 report provides a compelling, data-driven overview of the major transformations under way — from emerging energy demands and shadow fleet operations to digital port innovation, green shipping corridors, and the integration of carbon capture solutions.
Structured into six thematic chapters and grounded in both local realities and global forecasts, the report highlights how the Baltic Sea can remain a model of resilience, sustainability, and innovation — but only if current momentum is sustained.
Five clear and practical recommendations urge BSPC members to:
- Put security first,
- Make sustainability the standard,
- Think in systems, not silos,
- Accelerate the modal shift, and
- Champion digital innovation.
With climate goals tightening and maritime infrastructure under growing pressure, the report calls on all actors to align national and regional strategies — to future-proof shipping, ensure energy resilience, and reinforce the Baltic Sea as a zone of cooperation, not confrontation.
Access the Full Report: We invite policymakers, maritime industry stakeholders, environmental organisations, and the public to download and explore the complete “Maritime Rapporteur’s Report” to consider the strategic measures and collaborative efforts essential for the ongoing transformation of the Baltic Sea maritime sector.
The Report can be downloaded here and on the Rapporteur’s webpage.
Stay tuned to our website and follow our exclusive content related to various BSR-relevant policy fields.