The sea connection between the capitals of Estonia and Finland will receive a huge amount of European Union funding to develop the route. 

The project is to be named Twin-Port II, and the money will be used to develop the two ports. The remainder of the €64 million project is to be paid by the two countries.

The Port of Helsinki will receive €19 million of the funding to develop a new terminal and connections into the city centre.

The Port of Tallinn will receive €5 million to develop one of the ports and improve the traffic situation at another of the terminals.

Estonia will also receive €5 million towards the cost of a €230 million ship to begin on the route in 2017.

The sea route is of huge importance to the two countries who have very close economic, social and political ties.

8 million people travel the route every year.

Undersea Tunnel

There is an ongoing debate regarding the construction of a rail link between the two cities. However, it is likely to be decades away if it becomes a reality.

The cost of the 50 km tunnel between would be up to €20 billion.