A draft budget from Finland’s finance minister proposes cutting maritime crew subsidies for service personnel, potentially saving €36 million. This move raises concerns about job security for Finnish maritime workers, as Tallink Group communications director Meelis Kompus warns of possible layoffs if subsidies are reduced.
Tallink currently operates ships under both Finnish and Swedish flags, adhering to trade union agreements essential for routes between Finland and Sweden. Kompus emphasized that eliminating these subsidies could jeopardize maritime transport and employment under the Finnish flag, leading to the transfer of ships to foreign flags or alternate routes.
He noted that shipping is vital for Finland’s economy, with about 60% of foreign trade reliant on maritime transport, particularly through passenger ships like those operated by Tallink. The Finnish Seafarers’ Union has echoed these concerns, stating that without state support, maintaining shipping operations under the Finnish flag would be unsustainable, risking thousands of jobs.
The draft budget for 2026 includes various “adjustment measures” aimed at stabilizing Finland’s debt ratio, with the exclusion of service personnel from maritime subsidies being a key proposal.
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