Today, about 90 percent of both countries' exports travel by sea at some point. The Swedish and Finnish maritime industries are highly competent, internationally competitive and much in demand. They are also making targeted investments for the future. The maritime expertise of the two countries has its roots far back in history. Ever since the Viking Age, they have been seafaring nations, but they have also had strong shipping and shipbuilding industries, including during most of the 20th century. The countries' existing knowledge and skills are being developed further by the many important players in the maritime technology and production sectors. The large shipping companies also have extensive expertise in technology, energy and environmental development and are the driving force behind international growth. The smaller companies are often world leaders with a particular product or service that they have developed. Finnish and Swedish marine engineering companies have the skills and the capacity to deliver what is required to design and build icebreakers.