Fintraffic’s VTS centres prevented two potential groundings this year – maritime safety and efficiency in our waters at a good level

In Finland, the monitoring and oversight of commercial shipping is a crucial part of ensuring maritime safety and environmental protection. Fintraffic’s VTS centres monitor the movement of cargo and passenger ships along the Finnish coastline around the clock, every day of the year.

In the first half of 2024, vessel traffic has for the most part proceeded safely both along the Finnish coast and in nearby international waters.

“Our traffic operations have gone relatively well this year. Two potential groundings were prevented in the early part of the year, and navigational assistance was provided on three occasions. In addition, Fintraffic’s VTS centres have regularly informed vessels about other traffic and factors affecting their navigation, such as weather and ice conditions, and reported various disruptions. The VTS centres have also managed traffic as usual and maintained safety radio operations,” says Rami Metsäpelto, Managing Director of Fintraffic’s Vessel Traffic Services.

Vessel traffic monitoring and oversight in Finnish waters is guaranteed by law. Indeed, Finland is a pioneer in safeguarding commercial shipping, as monitoring and supervision cover the entire coastline. This means that all commercial vessels, such as tankers, cargo ships, and passenger ships, must report their arrival to our VTS centres when approaching Finland's coastline. While navigating along the Finnish coast, vessels must provide constant updates on the area’s working channel and comply with its traffic regulations.

Continuous development for even safer vessel traffic

The primary objective of Fintraffic’s Vessel Traffic Services operations is to ensure the safety and efficiency of maritime traffic. Last year, Finland once again took the lead and introduced its new Master's Guide service for vessel traffic, which compiles all important special instructions for ships arriving at Finnish ports.

Fintraffic’s Vessel Traffic Services is also involved in improving the safety of shipping lanes, with new head-on meeting and passing restriction areas soon to be implemented along the Finnish coast. The purpose of these areas is to limit head-on meeting and passing maneuvers that could be dangerous to the vessels or the environment.

“Maritime safety in Finland has traditionally been at a good level. However, this requires very close cooperation and continuous development. A good example of this is the upcoming new head-on meeting and passing restriction areas along the Finnish coast, whose specification has involved representatives from Fintraffic’s Vessel Traffic Services, the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and Traficom, as well as pilots, vessel deck officers, tugboat captains, representatives from shipping companies and ports, the Finnish Defence Forces, and the Finnish Border Guard," adds Metsäpelto.