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Dangerous Goods

Dangerous goods refers to goods, or packaging/transportation containers that previously contained goods and that are now empty but uncleaned, which due to their nature pose an explosion, fire or radiation hazard, are poisonous, or have other characteristics which mean that they could pose harm to people, the environment or property.

In the storage of dangerous goods we adhere to the Government Decree on the Transport and Temporary Storage of Dangerous Goods in a Port Area (21.4.2005/251) and subsequent amendments (24.2.2011/173 and 4.4.2013/249). The storage of dangerous goods is determined according to their classification.

Advance notifications of transportation assignments containing dangerous goods should always be submitted to the Port of Helsinki via the Dangerous Goods Notifications system.

Go to the Dangerous Goods Notification system

For some goods an advance inquiry must be submitted in order to establish whether the goods can be transported through the Port.

Dangerous goods classified by transportation method, in accordance with:

Storage of dangerous goods in the harbours

Some dangerous goods must be transported onwards from the harbour area immediately. Others can be stored in the harbour area, for a fee as determined in the Port of Helsinki’s price list, calculated based on the number of days they are stored for. (hinnaston va-sivu linkkinä)

Dangerous goods that must be transported onwards from the port immediately

No cargo units containing dangerous goods may be stored in passenger harbours (South Harbour, Katajanokka Harbour and West Harbour). Such units must be transported onwards (import/export) without delay (max. 4 hours).

At Vuosaari Harbour the following dangerous goods categorised in the following classes must be transported onwards without delay:

  • IMDG Class 1: Explosives, except 1.4S, without exception
  • IMDG Class 2: Flammable (2.1) and toxic (2.3) gases, over 100,000 kg
  • IMDG Class 3: Flammable liquids, packaging group 1, over 100,000 kg
  • IMDG Class 5.2: Organic peroxides, over 100,000 kg
  • IMDG Class 6.2: Infectious substances, without exception
  • IMDG Class 7: Radioactive substances, any quantities, except UN numbers 2908–2911
  • In other classes an advance notification of transportation is required if the amount of goods/shipping exceeds 200,000 kg

Maximum quantities of explosives/shipment

  • Classes 1.1 and 1.2, maximum total consignment weight: 20,000 kg
  • Class 1.3, maximum total consignment weight: 80,000 kg
  • Class 1.4, maximum total consignment weight: 120,000 kg

The terms set out in Decree 251/2005 regarding safe storage and the terms of the IMDG code concerning segregation distances for substances (7.2.1.16 Segregation Table) must be fulfilled. Longer-term storage must always be agreed separately with the Port.

Storage of dangerous goods in the field

Units containing dangerous goods to be stored in the field are classified in accordance with the IMDG Code, ADR Agreement or RID Regulations.
Units containing dangerous goods should be marked to indicate their IMDG code.
Storage periods and the corresponding storage fees are set out in more detail in the price list.

Further information about the classification of dangerous goods:

  • The Ministry of Transport and Communications / Transport of Dangerous Goods
  • Trafi – Search results for the term ‘dangerous goods’
  • Trafi (the Finnish Transport Safety Agency)