Cargo traffic rose to the challenges of the operating environment

Cargo traffic in the Helsinki harbours is running efficiently, and it was capable of meeting the demands of the drastically changed operating environment in 2022 as well.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began in February, abruptly changed the operating environment in the Baltic Sea. Shipping companies were forced to reschedule their departures and move their fleets away from St Petersburg. The Port of Helsinki was able to respond to the new demands arising from the situation, which pushed traffic figures to an all-time high.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Europe have underlined the importance of the functionality of Finnish sea traffic. Even in the exceptional circumstances, the Port of Helsinki has contributed to ensuring Finland’s security of supply. The majority of Finland’s consumer goods and certain raw materials and supplies for industrial purposes are transported through the ports of Helsinki.

Improved infrastructure in Vuosaari Harbour

• In Vuosaari Harbour, investments were made in preparation for Finnlines’ Newbuilding Programme for hybrid ro-ro vessels: the ro-ro ramps were widened, and the pier was extended. Compared to the largest vessels in Finnlines’ previous fleet, the hybrid ro-ro vessels will increase carrying capacity by almost 40%.
• The lighting system was changed to LED lighting. The project, which was launched in 2021, was completed in autumn 2022.The new, energy-efficient lighting of the Vuosaari field areas will save around 830 MWh per year. LED lights also improve the adjustability of lighting and have good directivity, as well as vision-friendly and good colour reproduction ability, which significantly improves work safety at the Harbour.
• In spring 2021, work started on the construction of a double ramp on berth A for the ro-pax ship traffic to Muuga, Tallinn. However, during a trial run in September, an accident occurred, and part of the ramp was damaged. The repair work will cause a delay of several months, and the ramp is scheduled for completion in spring 2023.Using two vehicle ramps at the same time will speed up the process of loading vehicles on board and shorten ship turnaround times. The new dual ramp will ensure a further increase in cargo volumes for Muuga traffic as well as the potential for increased capacity for all Estonian cargo traffic at Vuosaari Harbour.
• The construction of the onshore power supply connections was started on the pier. They will serve the ro-pax traffic to Germany. However, the project’s implementation was delayed from the original plan and is now expected to be completed in the autumn of 2023.Connecting the vessel to the onshore power network while at berth improves air quality and reduces carbon dioxide emissions and noise locally. This is part of the implementation of the Port of Helsinki’s carbon neutrality programme. The project has received support from the EU investment project Hansalink 2.

Automation speeds up gate operations

• The Smart Port investments related to the automation of heavy traffic and car traffic gate operations in the West Harbour and Katajanokka were completed towards the end of the year. They will be commissioned in the first quarter of 2023.Using smart technology, the system automatically collects vehicle dimensions and uses this data to guide the vehicles directly to the right waiting lane via displays. The system speeds up check-in gate operations and reduces congestion.