The Port of Helsinki’s €300 million harbour tunnel project is entering the planning phase. The tunnel will move heavy traffic underground in the West Harbour, bringing relief to the residents of Jätkäsaari, in particular, and allowing traffic to and from Tallinn to be concentrated in the West Harbour. The aim is to start construction in 2028. The Port of Helsinki has now selected the engineering partners for the tunnel.

A group of companies, consisting of Finnmap Infra Oy (part of the Solwers Group), A-Insinöörit Suunnittelu Oy, and WSP Finland Oy, has been selected as the principal designer for the project. The group will also be responsible for rock engineering, architectural design, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, as well as transport, road, and street planning.

“The harbour tunnel is one of the most important projects for the Port of Helsinki in the coming years. We are very pleased that we now have experienced engineering partners who are well-versed in demanding projects and will bring their expertise to the preparation of the tunnel project,” says Pekka Hellström, Technical Director of the Port of Helsinki. 

“Port traffic is busy, so traffic management must work seamlessly, even in the middle of a construction site. The tunnel project will enable us to utilize our extensive expertise in engineering underground spaces, as well as project management. Taking the Lapinlahti park area and the rocky environment into account requires particularly careful planning,” says Matti Kalliomäki, Senior Vice President at Finnmap Infra. 

The leading building services engineering of the tunnel and the design of the HVAC, electrical and automation systems will be carried out by a group formed by Nodeon Finland Oy and A-Insinöörit Suunnittelu Oy.  

“The tunnel’s technical systems have a substantial impact on its safety and functionality. Our group comprises top experts in the field and has solid experience in successfully planning and implementing demanding tunnel projects. We thank the Port of Helsinki for their trust – it is an honour to be involved in this important project,” says Markku Pakarinen, Head of Planning Services at Nodeon Finland. 

A total of six groups took part in the competitive bidding for the engineering services – three for each of the two scopes of work. 

Integrated Project Delivery streamlines implementation 

The construction of the harbour tunnel will be carried out using the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model, a project format based on transparency and shared objectives. In an IPD, the client, planners and builders form a single team in which all key decisions are made together. 

“The IPD model is very well suited to an investment that is as sizeable and demanding as this one. In the IPD, the various operators work closely together and share responsibility for the project’s success. This will lead to better solutions and ensure that the project stays on time and budget,” adds Hellström. 

In the first phase of the harbour tunnel, i.e., the development phase, the parties jointly draw up a detailed implementation plan, determine the target cost, and agree on an incentive scheme for the project. Only after the development phase will the client, the Port of Helsinki, make a separate decision on the construction of the project. 

“There are many challenges involved in designing a harbour tunnel. The flexibility of the alliance model enables planners and stakeholders to find the best implementation options,” says Kalliomäki. 

Harbour tunnel to ensure smooth flow of port traffic 

The harbour tunnel project aims to ensure that the increasing traffic to and from Tallinn will flow safely and efficiently in the years to come. The volume of passenger and freight traffic in the West Harbour is expected to increase by several dozen percent when all ships running between Helsinki and Tallinn are transferred to the West Harbour by 2032. These changes will put pressure on the Jätkäsaari street network, in particular. 

The solution is a two-kilometre-long harbour tunnel from the West Harbour to Länsiväylä. The tunnel will divert all heavy traffic off the streets of Jätkäsaari, improving traffic flow, air quality, and reducing noise, while also enhancing traffic safety in the area.  

The tunnel will also affect traffic in the city centre. When Katajanokka passenger traffic relocates to the West Harbour, the port-related traffic in the city centre is expected to decrease by up to 75%. The harbour tunnel is therefore a major transportation and urban solution for the entire city of Helsinki. 

The City of Helsinki is currently preparing a local detailed plan for the harbour tunnel. According to the city’s estimated schedule, the City Council will consider the proposal no earlier than at the end of 2025. The construction of the harbour tunnel is planned to begin in 2028 and is expected to be completed in 2032.

For more information:

Pekka Hellström
Technical Director
Tel. 040 334 5804
[email protected]

Mihail Tchitcherin
Project Communications Manager
Tel. 040 515 1137
[email protected]