EBI launches Baltic Sea Boating Forum at the Helsinki International Boat Show
European Boating Industry (EBI) will officially launch the inaugural Baltic Sea Boating Forum at the Helsinki International Boat Show, marking the start of a new platform for dialogue between the boating industry, policymakers and stakeholders on the future of boating the Baltic Sea with a strong focus on bridging environmental responsibility and the region’s boating success story.
Organised as part of Baltic Sea Day at the Helsinki International Boat Show, it is also supported by the Finnish Marine Industries Federation (Finnboat). The Forum aims to bridge environmental responsibility with the region’s boating success story, placing recreational boating firmly within discussions on marine protection, sustainability, economic potential and regional cooperation.
The Baltic Sea Boating Forum is designed to provide an annual format for structured dialogue between industry and policymakers on Baltic Sea issues, including the work of HELCOM and its Baltic Sea Action Plan which includes several actions for recreational boating.
High-level participation for the inaugural Forum
The first Baltic Sea Boating Forum will take place on Friday, 13 February from 14:00 to 15:30. It will bring together political leaders, industry representatives and civil society. Confirmed as speakers are Sari Multala, Finnish Minister of Climate and the Environment and Rüdiger Strempel, Executive Secretary of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM). A panel discussion moderated by Philip Easthill, EBI Secretary-General will combine contributions from policymakers, industry leaders and user representatives from across the Baltic Sea region.
Changing the conversation on boating and the Baltic Sea
The Forum will showcase and discuss solutions that the sector is driving, moving beyond perception and towards proactive engagement. Discussions will address how boating can be prioritised within government policies, how industry innovation contributes to environmental objectives, and how big environmental challenges require both big solutions and quick, practical actions that allows boating to continue its success story in the region. Key topics will include the role of recreational boating in delivering the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, aligning boating activities with the 30% marine protection target, while safeguarding access, tourism and regional economic activity.
The Baltic Sea Boating Forum is a cooperation between EBI and the Helsinki International Boat Show and will be developed as an annual event, supporting long-term cooperation and ensuring that recreational boating has a clear, informed and constructive voice in Baltic Sea policymaking.
More information about Helsinki International Boat Show can be found here: https://vene.messukeskus.com/en/
-
About European Boating Industry (EBI)
EBI represents the recreational boating industry in Europe. It encompasses all related sectors, such as boatbuilding, equipment manufacturing, marinas and service providers. The industry is a significant contributor to the European economy, representing 32,000 companies, predominantly SMEs that employ over 280,000 people directly. The mission of EBI is to advance and represent a sustainable boating and nautical tourism industry #MadeInEurope. More information on EBI’s website: www.europeanboatingindustry.eu
Press contact: office@europeanboatingindustry.eu
About Helsinki International Boat Show
The Helsinki International Boat Show Vene 26 Båt is the largest boating event in Northern Europe. It showcases 400 boats, boating accessories and equipment, as well as fishing and water activities 6-15 February 2026 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. The Helsinki International Boat Show will be arranged annually in February at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. The event is organized by the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre on behalf of the Finnish Marine Industries Federation, Finnboat.
Press contact: Communications Manager Teija Armanto, tel +358 50 376 0804, Teija.armanto@messukeskus.com
