The cross-border MABA II project (Midway Alignment Botnia Atlantica II) has reached its goal; project results are now being compiled ahead of the final report and project activities are almost completed. MABA II has had a decisive role in the procurement of the new Kvarken ferry, although project expectations were surpassed already earlier when the new, custom-made ferry was ordered well before project closure.
– The purpose of MABA II was to produce background materials, e.g. for the decision-making of authorities and financial institutions. These materials have been essential in making legally correct and financially sound decisions and, in this way, securing the Kvarken connection in the long run, which is a precondition for all other cross-border cooperation in the region, tells Mr Mathias Lindström, Project Manager and Director of the Kvarken Council.
– The materials were delivered so that the new, custom-made ferry could be procured and the agreement signed well before the end of the project. In other words, MABA II helped us to push the ferry project past the finish line. Therefore, it is an exceptionally concrete and successful project, and its results will significantly affect the region’s development.
Excellent Results and A Very Productive Project
The project’s main expected results were achieved, including an increased number of detailed strategies on sustainable east-west transport links as well as background materials for authorities to support decision-making on further measures. All of the following main measures were carried out:
– investigation about alternative financing options
– support materials for decision-making concerning investments by both the municipalities and governments and the European Investment Bank
– analysis of the final ferry design – analysis of the previous CEF application
– investigation about the Kvarken ports’ TEN-T status and Core links
– interest-representation and discussions with relevant national and EU-level authorities
– tender documentation for the ferry and ports
– etc.
The remaining project time will be used to document the process and measures, inform newly elected Finnish MP’s, and inform newly elected MEPs. Even advocacy towards national and EU-level authorities will continue until the project closure in order to secure the region’s interests in connection to the TEN-T revision.
Project timetable: 2016-09-15 – 2019-09-30 The project’s total budget is 827,500 EUR, and the project receives funding from the European Structural and Investment Funds via the Botnia-Atlantica programme as well as regional funding from the Kvarken Council/Nordic Council of Ministers, INAB, Municipality of Umeå, Region Västerbotten, City of Vaasa, Vaasa Region Development Company VASEK, and the Regional Council of Ostrobothnia. 
