In forthcoming years, the port will focus on efficient and effective work, and promoting efficient transport links and logistics solutions. The operations emphasize sustainable development, as well as customer satisfaction and the travel experience. The solutions offered by new technology and digitalization are expected to provide comprehensive benefits.
Cargo record: 14.7 million tons
In 2018, a record volume of cargo was transported via the Port of Helsinki: 14.7 million tons, breaking the previous record set in 2008. Imports accounted for 7.3 million tons, while exports accounted for 7.4 million tons. The Port of Helsinki mainly handles unit traffic (12 million tons in 2018), consisting of cargo transported in containers, lorries and trailers. One factor contributing to the record cargo volume was the first full year of chemical pulp exports from Metsä Group’s Äänekoski plant via Vuosaari harbour.
The network of scheduled routes from the Port of Helsinki is the most extensive and diverse in Finland and, at peak times, vessels depart to Tallinn once an hour. Vuosaari harbor celebrated its tenth year in operation in 2018, and it still has plenty of capacity. In the future, efficiency will be boosted by automation and digitalization. The turnaround time and ability to keep to schedules will be instrumental in this. Preparations are also being made for the advent of larger vessels: planning is underway on extensions to the piers and deepening of the fairway.
Amazing Helsinki enthralls visitors arriving by sea
The Port of Helsinki provides an efficient setting for popular sea routes to destinations including Tallinn and Stockholm. In 2018, a total of 12.1 million passengers passed through the port. Helsinki is one of the world’s busiest passenger harbors for international travel.
A record number of international cruise passengers visited Helsinki, and the Finnish capital showed its best side. Almost 520,000 cruise passengers visited the city in total. In autumn, a new pier was completed in Hernesaari to serve large cruise vessels. The pier will be taken into use in May 2019, replacing the old Melkinlaituri pier.
A pioneer of sustainable development
The Port of Helsinki engages in environmental cooperation locally, nationally and internationally, and it intends to become a pioneer of sustainable development in the port industry.
Every part of the port has an environmental permit guiding the port’s operations as required by law.
Several of the piers in Helsinki have shore power connections for vessels and all of the piers have systems for discharging wastewater from vessels into the city’s water treatment plants. In addition, the port has a pricing system to incentivize cruise vessels to discharge wastewater into the municipal sewer. Discounts are also on offer for vessels operating scheduled routes if the ship owner takes action to reduce noise or air emissions or makes investments to improve the environmental performance of vessels.
The Port of Helsinki, like its owner, the City of Helsinki, is committed to the target of achieving a carbon-neutral Helsinki by 2035.
