Economists have been promising the start of an economic upturn the whole year, but even now, at the end of the year, we are still waiting for it. Any period of waiting feels slow.
Members of Shipbrokers Finland have been suffering from a less than optimal transport market. Container shipping companies and port operators are plagued by forest industry shutdowns and a poor global demand for forest products. We need goods exports in order for importing to work as well.
There is a risk that foreign shipping companies may decide to redirect their capacity to places where there is demand and the prices are at the right level. Furthermore, hopes for port automation have been postponed. The work of agents is currently undergoing a structural change. Digitalisation and the introduction of new systems take resources, but they do not bring the same level of benefits, at least not immediately.
In this situation, the functionality of the Finnish market is key. The State should be providing measures to support the business life rather than those that hinder it. By its own actions, the State can influence the level and structure of fairway fees and the pricing of pilotage services.
The advocacy work of Shipbrokers Finland has progressed. The best result of our cooperation with educational institutions was a BBA programme, with a possibility to specialize in maritime logistics, launched in 2025. It attracted plenty of applications. We are pleased to see that the industry is drawing interest and that this type of education is appreciated. We would like to warmly thank the personnel at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences SAMK!
During 2025, we have also intensified cooperation with the parties responsible for Finland’s security of supply. We participated in the preparedness exercise of the transport administrative sector and organised a risk workshop with the National Emergency Supply Agency. Good cooperation with transport administration agencies, state companies, Finnish Customs, the Finnish Border Guard and other maritime organisations has continued. We are glad that our sector is being seen and heard nowadays in a new way.
In 2025, Shipbrokers had 40 member companies, which means nearly 100% coverage among companies offering services within the sector. The main event of Shipbrokers Finland, Call the Agent – October Summit, brings together members as well as stakeholders. This past year, the number of participants was approximately 160.
Finland is an island, and the importance of maritime transport professionals is not diminishing. We are doing our part to ensure that the maritime sector is known and attractive. In accordance with the values of our new strategy, we will continue to be a collaborative, active and open actor.
We wish everyone a better year in 2026!
Tomi Rautio, Chairman, Shipbrokers Finland
Sari Turkkila, General Manager, Shipbrokers Finland
This is the Chairman’s half-year review, which has been drafted jointly by the Chairman and General Manager of Shipbrokers Finland. The review is distributed to members in the newsletter and to stakeholders through the website and social media. The next review will be published in June.
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