In June, the Alliance partnered with the Embassy of Finland and Business Finland to bring a delegation of Finnish maritime, shipbuilding, and port technology companies to Hampton Roads to learn more about investment and partnership opportunities in the region.
The Finnish maritime sector provides solutions and services encompassing the entire industry, from naval architecture and construction to offshore wind, to smart and green port technology. Finnish companies are also globally known for integrating innovative solutions and cutting-edge technology into the maritime sector. They specialize in using digitalization, automation, autonomy, and sustainable solutions that allow ship owners, shipyards, and port operators to optimize operations in an efficient and sustainable manner. These characteristics make Finnish companies valuable potential partners and investors into the maritime economy of Hampton Roads.
The Finnish delegation was introduced to Hampton Roads at an evening networking reception with regional leaders from industry and local government. Doug Smith, Alliance President and CEO, and David White, Executive Director of the Virginia Maritime Association, gave the delegation an overview of the region’s economy and maritime industry in preparation for a day of site visits to key facilities to some of the leading maritime companies in the region.
The delegation toured The Port of Virginia’s Portsmouth Marine Terminal, where they learned about and saw first-hand how the facility is being transformed into the nation’s premier offshore wind terminal. They visited two of the leading shipbuilding and ship repair companies in the region – Fairlead Integrated and Colonna’s Shipyard. The delegation was also able to visit with executives from Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), who discussed the capabilities and operations of Newport News Shipbuilding and the Mission Technologies division of HII, which is pioneering the development of unmanned underwater and surface vessels.
The Alliance was honored to host the delegation in Hampton Roads and introduce them to some of our partners that make up one of the world’s most significant maritime economies. We look forward to continuing our relationships with the companies in the delegation and hope to help them find a home in Hampton Roads to add to our rich maritime ecosystem.
