The Baltic Sea is not the alternative – it is the future of cruising
Cruising is entering a new phase. As travel trends shift toward authenticity, sustainability and emotional value, Northern Europe – and the Baltic Sea in particular – is increasingly aligned with the expectations of tomorrow’s cruise passengers. Across the travel sector, demand is moving away from overcrowded destinations and toward places that offer cultural depth and a sense of genuine discovery.
In this context, the Baltic Sea stands out not because it is spectacular in scale, but because it is coherent in character. Its destinations share a broadly similar planning culture, social stability and relationship with nature. For cruise operators, this creates itineraries that are efficient to operate yet rich in content, without the growing friction associated with over-tourism. One of the Baltic’s defining strengths is easy access. Many ports are located close to city centres or directly integrated into small towns, allowing passengers to explore on foot rather than through long transfers. This reflects passenger preferences identified by Cruise Lines International Association, which show growing satisfaction with ports offering walkability, easy access and authentic local environments. Whether in larger cities such as Helsinki, Tallinn or Stockholm, or in smaller destinations like Kotka and Kalmar, proximity and immediacy play a central role in shaping the shore experience.
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Originally published on 26 Jan
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Four ambitious startups have kicked off their journey in the Tehnopol Startup Incubator’s Film and Multimedia Accelerator IDA Hub. This marks the beginning of the program’s third cohort.
The Film and Multimedia Accelerator focuses on multimedia, virtual and augmented reality, and related fields, supporting startups that are innovating in these areas. Participants are guided by top-tier mentors who provide direct access to key figures in the film industry, the market, and investors. This creates a unique opportunity to develop products or services in a sector where innovation and creativity meet high technology.
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Originally published on 11 Apr
Business and Innovation – Are You Ready for Tomorrow?
Entrepreneurs are invited to the Future_Ready 2025 conference on April 25 in Riga, organized by the Latvian IT Cluster (LITK), Latvian Digital Accelerator (LDA), and the academic partner RTU Riga Business School. The event will bring together industry leaders and entrepreneurs to highlight key technology trends and their impact on business.
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Originally published on 11 Apr
Money laundering remains one of the biggest threats to the global economy, fueling organized crime, terrorism, corruption, and tax evasion. Despite ongoing efforts, financial institutions have long struggled with a fragmented and inconsistent approach to combating illicit financial activities.
In response to this challenge, AMLYZE is proud to announce the launch of AMLTRIX, a first-of-its-kind open knowledge initiative designed to standardize and revolutionize the fight against money laundering.
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Originally published on 10 Apr
The European renewable energy group Energiequelle has reserved a site for a new hydrogen project to produce hydrogen in Oulu, northern Finland. When all three stages of project are fully completed, the plant could produce hydrogen by electrolysis with a capacity of over 500 megawatt (MW). The hydrogen plant would be commissioned in three phases between 2028 and 2033.
The first phase of the project would involve the construction of a hydrogen production plant of maximum 5 MW and a hydrogen refuelling station for buses and other heavy-duty vehicles. In the next phase, the capacity of the hydrogen production plant would be increased to 10-50 MW and hydrogen exports via the planned hydrogen pipeline and the port of Oulu could be an option, if the needed infrastructure is available. In the third phase, production would be further increased to an additional capacity of 100-500 MW. The schedule and full size of the project is highly depending on the market situation and the infrastructure available in the selected new greenfield site.
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Originally published on 10 Apr
On 9 April, Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas attended the annual conference of the European Wind Energy Association, Wind Europe 2025, in Copenhagen (Denmark).
During the conference, Minister of Energy Mr Vaičiūnas met with Kaspars Melnis, Minister for Climate and Energy of the Republic of Latvia, and Volker Oschmann, Director General for Electricity at the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, and together they presented the planned project of an offshore electricity interconnector between the Baltic States and Germany.
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Originally published on 9 Apr
The German ABO Energy group has been granted a planning reservation to build a hydrogen production plant in Oulu in northern Finland. In the preliminary plan, the new hydrogen plant would have an electrolyser with a maximum capacity of 600 MW. Implementation would take place in 2-3 phases.
In addition to hydrogen production, the company is exploring the possibility of producing methanol and sustainable aviation fuel (E-SAF) in Oulu. The feasibility of synthetic fuel production depends on the availability of biogenic carbon dioxide. ABO Energy would offer the waste heat generated for use as district heating in the Oulu region.
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Originally published on 9 Apr
Net Group, an Estonian business and software development company, has expanded into Germany by acquiring Cloud Ahoi GmbH, a technology company specializing in comprehensive cybersecurity solutions for both private and public sector clients.
“The transaction is significant because on the one hand we are increasing our capabilities in providing cybersecurity services, and on the other hand Germany is Estonia’s largest export market. This gives us a unique opportunity to export valuable knowledge from Estonia to Germany for both the private and public sectors,” stated Priit Kongo, CEO of Net Group.
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Originally published on 8 Apr
The City of Oulu has been preparing to reserve land for three new hydrogen production and processing plants. The City’s aim is to actively promote green transition investments in its area. Advancing the planning of three new hydrogen plants will support the growth of hydrogen economy and the development of Oulu’s local hydrogen infrastructure.
The planning reservations for the Pyyryväinen site will be discussed by the City of Oulu Urban Environment Committee at its meeting on 8 April 2025. The site is a virtually undeveloped, large-scale industrial area of up to 800 hectares less than 10 kilometres from the centre of Oulu, next to the Välikylä industrial district. The area required by businesses ranges from 15 hectares to 41 hectares.
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Originally published on 3 Apr
Solid-state lithium batteries have the potential to transform energy storage by offering higher energy density and improved safety compared to today’s lithium-ion batteries. However, their limited lifespan remains a major challenge. To address this, researchers at Luleå University of Technology have developed new materials that can significantly extend battery life.
“Our new materials can be used in cathode and electrolyte to extend battery lifespan and support the development of more environmentally friendly energy storage,” says Jiajia Li, who recently completed her PhD in Energy Engineering at Luleå University of Technology.
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Originally published on 8 Apr
The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group opened an office in Estonia today to drive strategic investments and sustainable growth in the country. The new office, located in the capital Tallinn, will focus on priority projects in areas including climate action, digitalisation, security and defence.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), will use its presence in Tallinn to deepen cooperation with Estonian partners in the public and private sectors including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
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Originally published on 8 Apr