The Baltic Sea Region forms economically, politically and sociologically an integrated and stable geographic area, with a consumer base of approximately 100 million people. The geographic location in the far Northeast corner of Europe, long transport distances and growing economy, increase traffic volumes, thus setting new requirements on traffic planning, policies and implementation of “greener” and advanced transport solutions on local, regional and national levels. An advanced and well-working transport network is crucial for ensuring continued prosperity, growth and further development of the region.

BALTIC LOOP focuses on solutions improving and smoothening transport flows of both people and goods in three selected corridors running in the West-East direction; (Northern, Middle and  Southern) within the Central Baltic Region, namely Örebro –Turku/Tallinn/Riga – St. Petersburg. The projects seeks to minimize the impact and/or number of different traffic hindrances or bottlenecks. The overall aim is to minimize travelling and cargo time in the corridors, and reduce CO₂-emissions. Developing traffic corridors with shortened travel and transport times will make the corridors more attractive to new businesses and innovations.

Åbo Akademi University is represented in the BALTIC LOOP by the Laboratory of Industrial Management, which primarily focuses on alternative business solutions and models for smart and sustainable sea logistics and port operations, being part of the three West-East transport corridors.