Important investment in the Szczecin port completed

The adaptation of the Grain Quay to a depth of 12.5 m in the port of Szczecin has become a fact. The investment by the Szczecin and Sea Port Authority significantly increased the transshipment capacity of the Grain Quay by being ready to handle larger ships than before – with a draft of up to 11.0 m (i.e. the same ones that can enter Szczecin via the deepened waterway).
Before the investment, the depth at the quay was 10 m. This means that we could handle ships with a maximum draft of up to 8.5-9 m. Now it is two meters more.
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Originally published on 3 Apr
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Nordic energy company Gasum and shipping company Wasaline have extended their agreement for bio-LNG supply to continue through 2027. This agreement continues to strengthen the companies’ long-standing partnership.
It also underlines both companies’ commitment to developing cleaner maritime transport. Wasaline runs a carbon neutral shipping corridor between Finland and Sweden, as the company’s vessel Aurora Botnia uses batteries and biogas to operate the route. Gasum supplies the vessel with bio-LNG.
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Originally published on 13 Apr

Estonian-founded startup Handhold has closed a €3M seed round to scale its AI-powered platform that automates the entire inbound customer journey — from first website visit through to renewal.
The round was led by Entourage Capital, with participation from Inovia Capital and e2vc. The broader ecosystem also chiped in: notable angels include Bolt founder Markus Villig, former Twilio CTO Ott Kaukver, Wise CTO Harsh Sinha, and Verif founder Janer Gorohhov.
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Originally published on 13 Apr

Estonia’s AI Leap Foundation is inviting international education professionals and partners to Tallinn on May 28–29, 2026, for a two-day study visit introducing Estonia’s national AI education program. The AI Leap International Study Visit is designed for education leaders, ministry representatives, and partners interested in how AI is being integrated into general education at a national level.
Over the two days, participants will take part in school visits, hands-on sessions, and policy discussions, gaining direct insight into how AI tools are used in classrooms and how Estonia’s AI Leap program is implemented in practice. The event is designed as a small-group experience focused on meaningful exchange and collaboration among international peers, rather than a traditional conference.
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Originally published on 13 Apr

A group of very enthusiasticstudents from Roskilde University are currently working on different projects around green transition and local development on Bornholm.
The students have presented their preliminary results from their fieldwork to representatives from the local community, many of whom they have interviewed during a stay on the island.
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Originally published on 14 Apr

By the end of 2025, the EU area already had nearly 8.5 million all-electric vehicles in total—including passenger cars, vans, trucks, and buses. The total capacity of these batteries is hundreds of gigawatt hours. This volume corresponds to 1.5 hours of all electricity consumption in the whole of Europe.
A large portion of the battery capacity would still be usable even when the vehicles reach the end of their lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries of end-of-life vehicles would have significant capacity remaining for stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
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Originally published on 14 Apr

The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) and US defence company Lockheed Martin have signed a contract for the procurement of three additional HIMARS multiple rocket systems. The agreement also includes an investment of approximately USD 11 million into Estonia’s defence industry.
“Additional HIMARS systems will ensure the deep-strike capability required by the Estonian Defence Forces and NATO, significantly strengthening both our national defence capability and deterrence. Expanding cooperation with Lockheed Martin will also directly support the development of Estonia’s defence industry,” said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
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Originally published on 11 Apr

On 1 April 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the promotion of long-term investment in Latvia’s transport and logistics sector was signed at the Ministry of Economics. The memorandum was signed by Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis, Director General of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) Ieva Jāgere, and Povilas Drižas, Secretary General of the International Transport and Logistics Alliance (Tarptautinio transporto ir logistikos aljansas – TTLA). The objective of the memorandum is to facilitate the expansion of Lithuanian transport and logistics companies in Latvia, strengthening regional cooperation and developing a competitive transport and logistics ecosystem in the Baltics.
The International Transport and Logistics Alliance (TTLA), founded in 2019, unites 25 of Lithuania’s largest transport and logistics companies and represents a significant share of the international road freight market. The organization works to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and represent business interests at both national and international levels. TTLA members are international hauliers operating in European and Asian markets, forming a vital link in the Baltic region’s logistics chains.
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Originally published on 8 Apr

As cruise and other maritime operators face growing pressure to cut emissions, modernize vessels, and upgrade port infrastructure, Estonia is bringing a practical maritime transition approach to Seatrade Cruise Global 2026. The Northern European country presents a connected ecosystem spanning €25 million state-backed retrofit support, port electrification, digital systems, and companies across the whole maritime value chain.
Across shipping, the green transition is increasingly being shaped by implementation. Decarbonization is no longer only about newbuilds, but also about how existing vessels can be modernized in a practical way – improving efficiency, upgrading passenger areas, and preparing ships for new fuels within real refit windows and operational limits.
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Originally published on 10 Apr

Since launching its ferry route between Malmö and Świnoujście on April 10, 2024, Finnlines has transported over 200,000 passengers and drivers in its first two years of operation. To mark the two-year milestone, Finnlines is adding an extra Saturday evening departure from Malmö on April 18 and April 25, bringing the total to two departures on those dates.
“Reaching over 200,000 passengers and drivers in just two years is a testament to the strength of this route. We have seen a steady increase in demand as more discover the convenience of a direct connection between Malmö, a key hub in southern Sweden close to Copenhagen, and northern Poland, with easy access to Germany,” says Marco Palmu, Head of Passenger Services at Finnlines.
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Originally published on 8 Apr

Electric boat company Candela, which is a tenant of Ports of Stockholm, has secured extensive orders for its hydrofoiling vessels from countries around the world. Now the first ship is being delivered from Frihamnen port, via Stockholm Norvik Port, to Mumbai. And of course it will be delivered by sea.
The first of Candela’s electric vessels, the P-12, left Frihamnen port in central Stockholm for Stockholm Norvik Port under its own power in early April. There, the vessel was loaded onto a larger vessel for onward transport by sea via Antwerp to Mumbai in India.
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Originally published on 10 Apr