Estonia’s National Center for Defence Investments (RKIK) has laid the cornerstone of a future marine rescue headquarters and training center at the Old City Harbour in Port of Tallinn.
The construction supports the government’s objective to combine marine security operations between the navy and the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) in a single location.
RKIK noted that the hub will have a cross-use capability to promote energy efficiency and retain overall functionality for rescue services and rescue training opportunities.
Areas planned in the building include maintenance, storage, workshop, and administrative divisions.
“The mine harbour with its quays and harbour location has proven to be an excellent location to connect the Police and Border Guard Board and the Navy fleet, and we are pleased to say that in cooperation with partners we have already reached the first important milestone in the construction,” RKIK North-Northeast Portfolio Manager Ando Voogma stated.
‘Important Goal’
PPA Marine Rescue Service Head Raina Jeeberg further explained how the site in Tallinn will streamline the Baltic state’s maritime rescue operations once it is established.
“After the completion of the marine rescue building, the PPA units that have been located elsewhere and organize the rescue of people from the sea can move to the Mines Harbor,” Jeeberg stated.
“This will make it easier to coordinate the response to rescue incidents, and the PPA is particularly pleased that we will have better conditions for training rescuers in the future.”
RKIK is partnering with local construction company Vanalinna Ehitus to build the center and Esplan for associated design works.
The infrastructure project is expected to run for 15 months, according to the defense investments agency.
“This project supports the Police and Border Guard Board’s important mission to ensure safety in our waters,” Vanalinna Ehitus Construction Manager Indrek Kaselt said. “We are proud to be able to contribute to this important goal.”
Latest Infrastructure Projects
Estonia’s marine rescue center project in Tallinn followed RKIK’s selection of industry partners in November to construct an ammunition and explosives production site at the country’s northern military air base in Ämari.
A month earlier, the government opened a new military academy in Tartu to train commissioned and non-commissioned officers at a permanent location for the first time.
RKIK also launched a defense center near the Russian border in September to expand accommodation for the Estonian Defence Forces and allies in the region.