Helsinki’s iconic harbour building, Katajanokka Terminal, which was completed in 1937, is to be renovated. The protected building, designed by Gunnar Taucher, will be renovated and expanded with an extension that will respect the original architecture and the surrounding cityscape while providing services for both passengers and locals.

The Port of Helsinki has signed a planning agreement that will take the renovation to the concrete phase. The planning will be carried out by Helin & Co Architects, with the participation of engineering and architecture consultancy Sweco. The work will begin in autumn 2025.

Two shipping companies in the same terminal

Port traffic in Helsinki will be undergoing some major changes in the coming years. The city centre harbours serve both passengers and freight, and the arrangements for the coming years will change both passenger routes and the flow of freight:

• Tallinn traffic will be moved to the West Harbour

• Stockholm traffic will be centralised to the renovated Katajanokka Terminal

• The South Harbour will be freed up for the use of international cruise ships and for the needs of the city’s residents, including the new Museum for Architecture and Design.

In the future, Katajanokka Terminal will serve two shipping companies whose ships sail to Stockholm: Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line. The first step in the planning process is to identify space needs and ensure that the planned solutions support both the operations of the shipping companies and the smooth movement of passengers.

“In the future, Katajanokka Terminal will not only be a gateway to Stockholm, but also a shared place for the city’s residents. The aim is to create an environment that serves passengers while providing facilities and services for the everyday lives of Helsinki residents,” says Kaj Takolander, VP Passenger Services at the Port of Helsinki.

Cooperation to start immediately

The renovation project will be carried out in close cooperation with the City of Helsinki, including various land use planning actors and the City Museum, to ensure that the historic building is preserved and the extension is carried out in a way that respects the environment.

Timetable

• Autumn 2025: planning starts

• Spring 2026: initial data for the land use planning process ready

• Construction work in 2028–2032

• The aim is to have the new terminal operational by 2032.

For more information, please contact:

Kaj Takolander

VP Passenger Services, Port of Helsinki

+358400507908 / [email protected]