In early February, delegates attended the LOGY Conference, an annual event organized by the Finnish Association of Purchasing and Logistics. Themed “Revolutionizing Supply Chains – with AI & Sustainability,” the conference brought together industry leaders to explore sustainable logistics solutions.
Held on February 8 in Helsinki and continued in Tallinn, Estonia on February 9, the conference addressed various logistics topics, including internal processes, sustainability, and AI integration. Among the presentations, a representative highlighted the significant impact of a large-scale railway project on European transportation advancement, emphasizing its potential to transform freight logistics.
“The railway project connecting Finland, the Baltic States, and potentially Central Europe is a landmark development in European transportation,” stated the representative. “As the project progresses, it offers not only modern passenger services but also ample opportunities for the freight logistics industry.”
Discussions at the event addressed Finland’s logistical challenges, including border closures impacting East-West transit. Amidst workforce shortages, the industry explores driverless solutions like autonomous vehicles to overcome operational hurdles. The railway project aims to address these challenges by facilitating the transportation of unaccompanied trailers and integrating environmentally sustainable practices.
Reflecting on discussions with Finnish logistics firms in Tallinn, a representative emphasized the collaborative spirit in advancing the project. “Commercial readiness is as critical as railway construction,” noted the representative, expressing appreciation for support and anticipating further collaboration.
Beyond freight logistics, the railway project aims to enhance passenger travel experiences by offering streamlined check-in processes. Audience interest in utilizing the railway corridor for passenger travel was unanimous, particularly highlighting the appeal of convenient and affordable commuting.
The project promises new intermodal opportunities, bridging different transportation modes to enable efficient movement of goods. The project forecasts substantial freight volume, primarily driven by bulk commodities. However, it is acknowledged that the project may not directly compete with maritime transport for low-cost bulk transportation to continental Europe. Instead, it offers a competitive advantage for intra-Baltic transportation.
Insights from the freight user survey conducted in 2023 were echoed at the conference, emphasizing the importance of seamless railway infrastructure and timely, cost-effective services. To remain competitive, the project must prioritize smooth transshipment services at freight terminals and align with market expectations regarding data management.
The project stands as a monumental endeavor to establish a modern and sustainable rail link connecting the Baltic States with the European network. Through collaborations and innovative solutions, it is poised to shape the future of freight logistics, promoting economic growth and regional cooperation across Europe.
