As the BPC26 entered its second day in Turku, Finland, industry leaders shifted focus from immediate green transitions to the operational and structural shifts reshaping the maritime sector, focusing on the “golden goose” opportunities of wind energy, carbon capture and storage (CCS) value chains, and future bunker fuels. The day then transitioned to port digitalization, and the pressing question of why pen and paper no longer suffice.

Joke Bamps (European Commission), after some initial DAY1 delays, luckily was able to join us for DAY2, discussing the EU Ports Strategy, highliting its comprehensive and collaborative approach. Built on pillars such as competitiveness, energy transition, security, social skills, territorial cohesion, and investment, the strategy intentionally avoids a one-size-fits-all model by serving as a flexible toolbox that accommodates diverse port profiles, including smaller ones. Key thematic priorities include strengthening critical infrastructure against disruptions, advancing military mobility through dual-use infrastructure investments, and carefully evaluating foreign investments.

Wind, carbon and, you guessed right, digitalization

We did it simply because the customer asked for it. This was naturally just a halt-truth, as Jesper Bank (Port of Esbjerg) dove into Port of Esbjerg’s path to developing carbon capture and storage (CCS). Operating with a highly diversified and robust business model, the port avoids pursuing funds for a single or solely dual-use purpose, focusing instead on multi-use infrastructure since seeking financing strictly for individual sectors like offshore wind or carbon capture and storage (CCS) proves exceedingly difficult. Projects are carefully evaluated using comprehensive criteria, all while keeping initial investments at the lowest possible level.

Baris Dolek (Northern Lights) outlined how to establish a carbon capture and storage (CCS) value chain, highlighting that CCS is scaling rapidly toward a projected global capacity of 7,750 Mtpa by 2050, and a global ccs capacity operating and under construction of 64 + 44 Mtpa. The speed at which the company is scaling up its own operations over the past couple of years is a direct testament to the dynamic growth of this market.

Its hard to have technically oriented sessions related to trends that are driving the delopment of the maritime industry and not mention digitalization. The day concluded with a session dedicated pen and paper simply do not cut it these days, giving the speakers and panelists a chance to share with the audience the whys and hows of implementing digital processes. Weasel Software, represented by Hanna Roihuvaara and Mike Karjagin set the stage for the discussion, leveraging their extensive hands-on experience modernizing complex operational environments across both the public and private sectors (including ports, logistics, transport authorities, and municipal services).

The topic was then further explored during a discussion panel as experts from Hamburg Port Consulting, Meyer Turku, Fintraffic VTS joined Weasel Software on stage to share some practical examples on the above topic. While there certainly are some challenges related to the relentlessly advancing process of digitalization. Solutions are there to strike a balance between chasing the technology and optizming at a given organization’s own pace.

New BPO Board Deputy Chair elected

In all of the (controlled) chaos that is the Baltic Ports Conference, all the panels, presentations, evening festivities, and networking, it is easy to loose sight of some key events in the life of the BPO. As such, it is our pleasure to announce that Ulrika Prytz Rugfelt, Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer, Copenhagen Malmö Port, has been elected as the new BPO Board Deputy Chairman.

“I am very pleased and honored by the confidence placed in me as Deputy Chair, and I look forward to continuing the Board’s work within BPO together with my fellow Board members. An important part of this work is, of course, to listen carefully to the wishes and priorities of our members and incorporate these into the strategy that we will finalize this autumn.”- Ulrika Prytz Rugfelt, Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer, Copenhagen Malmö PortWe will have a chat with Ulrika in the coming weeks, showcasing her vast experience in the maritime industry and more.

All good things come to an end…

BPC26 is over but what a ride it was. The programme was packed, the audience was eager as always, and the hosts were more than we could have ever asked for. On this note, we would like to thank the Port of Turku and their whole team for the fantastic support at every step of the journey leading to this week’s event.

“It has been truly inspiring to see the broader Baltic and European maritime community come together once again with such remarkable energy and engagement. As we look ahead, cooperation and collaboration remain the cornerstones of a strong, resilient Baltic maritime community, and I want to extend my deepest thanks to the City and Port of Turku for being such a wonderful host for this year’s conference.”- Alan Aleksandrowicz, Chairman, BPOWe would also like to thank all of the sponsors, honorary and media partners for their support and ease of collaboration. It was a pleasure to work with you and we hope to do it again.

… but a new journey begins!

We are going to Riga! Yes, you heard that right, the next edition of the Baltic Ports Conference will take place in Riga, hosten by the Port of Riga. In his invitation, Ansis Zeltiņš, CEO of the Port of Riga, mentioned the challenging times that lie ahead of the Baltic and global port industry. He also underlined that ports are no longer the slow moving animals they were known for such a long time. The sector has proven to be every bit as adaptable as the other industries. Ports are a vital part of Europe’s economy and the Baltic Sea Region is more than ready to contribute to Europe’s prosperity.

The next edition of the Baltic Ports Conference will be held on 8-9 September in Riga.