Enhancing the Competitiveness of the Estonian Marine Industry

Project No.: 2021-2027.1.03.25-1219

Project period: 1 December 2025 – 30 November 2028

Objective

The project aims to strengthen the international competitiveness of the Estonian marine industry by supporting the sector’s companies in international cooperation, visibility, and information exchange.

The focus is on:

  • increasing companies’ awareness of high-potential target markets,

  • promoting Estonian marine industry and technologies abroad, and

  • boosting international research and innovation collaboration to deepen business partnerships across the entire marine industry value chain.

Key Activities

Project activities are structured into three main components: international cooperation, marketing support, and export development.

1. International cooperation and network development

  • Participation in the activities and events of international umbrella organisations and networks to obtain up-to-date market intelligence on changing standards, regulations, technologies, and target markets.

  • Organising delegations to international congresses, conferences, and study visits to key trade fairs in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom to gather market insights and assess exhibition and networking opportunities.

  • Expanding cooperation with foreign industry associations and integrating Estonian companies into international innovation and research networks.

2. Marketing support and increased visibility

  • Coordinating joint participation of Estonian marine industry companies at international trade fairs, including national pavilions at major global events such as boot Düsseldorf, METSTRADE, and potentially SMM 2028, to strengthen credibility and visibility on the international stage.

  • Developing sector-wide marketing materials to promote Estonian marine industry capabilities and technologies in target markets.

  • Organising international networking events to share innovation and market insights and to foster business partnerships between Estonian and foreign companies.

3. Awareness-raising and market diversification

  • Conducting a market study on changes in the United Kingdom following Brexit, focusing on tax and import rules, public procurement, and export conditions relevant to the marine industry.

  • Organising an annual seminar to share international innovation and market information with Estonian marine industry companies and research and development organisations.

Budget and Funding

  • Total project budget: €288,840.00

  • Grant amount: €144,420.00