Presentation “The Council of the Baltic Sea States – Estonian Presidency 2024–2025” by Annabel Keerd at the 34th BSPC Annual Conference, Mariehamn, 25 August 2025

The Council of the Baltic Sea States Estonian Presidency 2024-2025Annabel KeerdFormer Chair of the Expert Group on Sustainable Maritime Economy Counsellor on International Cooperation and Competitiveness, Area of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Climate 2025 BSPC Annual Conference25.08.20251“Baseline Report on Marine Digital Twins and Green Shipping Corridors in the Baltic Sea Region”❖To give an overview of the present situation.❖To encourage concentrated and tactical cooperation.❖To strengthen interconnected and strategically autonomous Baltic Sea region (BSR).23Two Concepts❖Marine digital twin (MDT)- a virtual model of a physical marine environment that integrates data from various sources to simulate, analyse and optimize sea-related activities. ❖Green shipping corridor (GSC)- a maritime route between two or more ports, focusing on sustainable solutions in terms of vessels, ports, marine environment and coastal communities.4Marine Digital Twins in the BSRInternationalNationalPrivateBaltic Data Flows SymphonyPort of GdyniaThe Iliad ProjectFINMARIPort of HelsinkiThe European Digital Twin of the OceanMaritime Data SpacePort of Oulu SeaDataNet (Copernicus Marine Service & European Marine Observation and Data Network)Seawolf5Marine Digital Twins as a Cooperation MechanismA harmonized network of MDTs would:1) Facilitate Science-Based Policymaking: more efficient, evidence-based policy development due to enhanced situational awareness and predictive capabilities.2) Optimize Resource Utilization: digitalized solutions mitigate overlaps, consolidate fragmented data sources and maximise knowledge exploitation, collaborative technology sharing allows for distributed data management costs across participating nations.3) Strengthen Geopolitical Security: integrated data reinforces regional geopolitical security.4) Enhance Regional Collaboration: practical cross-border cooperation.6FUNDINGSECURITYLEGALITYFRAGMENTATION/OVERLAPSChallenges in Marine Digital Twins7Green Shipping Corridors in the BSRInternationalNationalPrivateEuropean Green Corridor NetworkNational strategiesMoUs between ports and ship operatorsEuropean Commission Global Gateway Green Shipping CorridorsStudies on assessing the feasibility and productivity of GSCsPrivate companies (e.g. Torghatten, ASKO)Fuel Transition Roadmap for Nordic ShippingMap of Green Shipping Corridors in the BSR13. Åland Mega Green Port17. FIN-EST18. Gothenburg-Frederikshavn Pilot Study19. Gothenburg-Rotterdam25. Stockholm-Åbo26. Sweden-Belgium27. Trelleborg-Lübeck30. UK-Denmark31. UK-Norway32. Vaasa-Umea8Source: Global Maritime Forum, Annual Progress Report on Green Shipping Corridors | 2024 editionAdditionally: ❖European Green Corridor Network- Gdynia, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Tallinn and Rønne;❖Container operator X-Press Feeders MoU- Tallinn, Helsinki, HaminaKotka, Riga, Antwerp Bruges and Klaipeda;❖Projects in Norwegian private sector- Bodø-Lofoten, Bodø-Tromsø, Oslo-Rotterdam-Brevik-Hamburg-Bremerhaven.9Green Shipping Corridors as a Cooperation Mechanism1) Boosts Maritime Economy: facilitating investment opportunities and providing feasible solutions for reaching global climate targets. 2) Encompasses the Whole Value Chain: reduces reliance on road transport- modal shift. 3) Drives Innovation: alternative energy, green technologies, digitalisation and modernisation of infrastructure. 4) A Critical Strategy: supporting policy goals, providing new job opportunities, and setting the BSR at the forefront of the adaptation of carbon neutral approaches.10FUNDINGENERGY SOURCESLEGALITYLACK OF POLICIESChallenges in Green Shipping Corridors11A shared responsibility, a shared mission❖Practical cooperative actions in the maritime field are vital for regional security and defence.❖Cross-border initiatives shape regional stances at the European and global level. ❖The BSR regional characteristics lay a strong foundation to be a forerunner in marine digital twins and green shipping corridors.❖If we want Baltic cooperation functioning under pressure, focus on the 3 pillars of resilient cooperation: commonly developed joint targets, strategic investments and smart regulation.Shared interest in exploiting the Baltic Sea is choosing a shared mission-exploiting it resiliently.12If the Baltic Sea had an ambassador of its own, it would have one goal- choose to protect it.Thank you for your attention!13Annabel Keerdannabel.keerd@kliimaministeerium.ee 2025 BSPC Annual Conference25.08.2025