Green Arctic Business Port – GREAT 

Green Arctic Business Port (GREAT) is a development project funded by the Regional Council of Lapland (AKKE), aiming to strengthen the role of the Ajos industrial area as a key logistics hub in Northern Finland and as part of European industrial value chains. The project supports the renewal of the Sea Lapland region following structural changes and promotes new investments and business opportunities.

The Ajos area already functions as a significant logistics hub through which a large share of Lapland’s material flows is handled. In the future, its role is expected to grow further due to green transition investments, mining activities, energy projects, and new industrial developments. At the same time, the area must be able to respond to increasing requirements related to resilience, security, and dual-use considerations.

The main objective of the project is to build a comprehensive understanding of the future development needs and opportunities of the Ajos area. The work focuses on emerging material flows such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, synthetic fuels, and mining-related concentrates, and assesses their impacts on logistics, infrastructure, and land use. The aim is to ensure that the development of the area enables multiple functions to coexist and does not limit future investment opportunities.

Implementation is based on analytical studies, scenario development, and active stakeholder engagement. The project includes targeted analyses on key topics such as P2X and CO₂ logistics, mining material flows, and the feasibility of EU rail gauge and electrified rail connections. In addition, a masterplan-level development framework will be prepared to support long-term decision-making and spatial planning in the area.

The project also emphasizes resilience and logistics preparedness, as well as the integration of the area into European transport networks. National and international cooperation is strengthened through benchmarking visits and network activities, with the objective of supporting the development of Ajos as part of the EU TEN-T core network.

As a result, the project will produce a practical and strategic knowledge base to support the development of the Ajos industrial area, preparation of investments, and the operating conditions of companies. At the same time, it promotes sustainable industrial development, strengthens regional cooperation, and supports the long-term vitality of the Sea Lapland region.