All news

The International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation to become an intergovernmental organisation – FTIA as main representative of Finland

Published 29.8.2024 11.40

The International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) took a major step on 22 August 2024 when it became an intergovernmental organisation (IGO). This change will strengthen the role of IALA in enhancing worldwide safety of navigation, efficiency and protection of the marine environment. The new status will give the organisation more power in international maritime policy discussions and improve cooperation with states and other maritime actors.

IALA plays an important role in maritime transport, as it is responsible for the development and harmonisation of standards, instructions and handbooks on navigational aids and vessel traffic services worldwide. Its mission is to ensure that ships can move safely, quickly and cost-effectively while protecting the marine environment. 
 
“Finland has the second greatest number of marine aids to navigation in the world, which means that we have complied with IALA standards and guidelines for a long time. Our experts have also been closely involved in the development of navigational aids together with the equipment manufacturers,” says Elisa Mikkolainen, Departmental Director at the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency.

 

Finland’s important role in influencing standards

The main representative of Finland in IALA is the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, which coordinates IALA activities with the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) and the traffic control company Fintraffic. Finnish experts are well represented in the organisation’s technical committees, which are responsible for developing standards and instructions. Finland’s importance is increased by its long-term membership in the organisation’s Council, which currently includes Simo Kerkelä, Head of Fairways. 

“Finland has much to offer for the work carried out at IALA and vice versa.  Finland engages in major global cooperation in the development of navigational aids. Especially our expertise of dark and cold conditions is appreciated, and it is important for us to ensure standards that are also suitable for our waterways,” says Simo Kerkelä.  “IALA offers a window into the development of navigational aids, standards or instructions, which is currently under way elsewhere in the world. We can also influence this development ourselves.”

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency maintains approximately 25,500 navigational aids on waterways, which contribute to ensuring safe and smooth navigation in Finnish waters. Finnish business and security of supply depend on maritime transport, which requires functional and safe waterways all year round.

IALA website 

more information:
Hea of unit, Simo Kerkelä, tel. +358 29 534 3354, [email protected]

Attachments
merimerkit_vaasa.jpg

All news