Noise

Noise from the harbour operations is the single most important reason for complaints by residents. This is the reason why the noise levels of each passenger ship are measured, and this data is used for determining the berth appointed for the ship.

Should the vessel remain overnight in Helsinki for some reason, it is to be placed in one of the berths located farthest away from housing. Noise, however, is an individual experience and sometimes it can feel disturbing even when it remains below the reference values.

The noise surveys examine the noise emissions created by harbour operations in different situations. These values are then compared to the values determined in the environmental permits granted to the harbours. The environmental permits require noise inspections to be carried out every three years.

During the construction of Vuosaari Harbour, particular attention was paid to the environmental effects, such as noise. The Vuosaari noise barrier (shown in the picture) won the Concrete Association of Finland’s Concrete Structure of the Year Award in 2008. More information about the award (in Finnish): http://www.betoni.com/fi/Tietoa+betonista/Vuoden+Betonirakenne/Vuosi+2008/