Major developments in port operations have now begun in earnest. Helsinki’s harbours have a significant impact on the region’s economy and contribute to Finland’s tourism exports, which still hold great potential.

Plans have progressed to concrete construction

Port developments are now well and truly underway. Together with the City of Helsinki, we are concentrating Tallinn traffic on the West Harbour and Stockholm traffic on Katajanokka. We have spent five years analysing and planning investments, demolishing old terminals and preparing new infrastructure.

This year, we finally progressed to the concrete construction phase: the expansion of the southern end of the West Harbour has begun, and the slipform casting of the quay’s huge concrete elements makes for an impressive sight. We received the Urban Environment Committee’s approval for the Port Tunnel, as well a green light from Helsinki City Council. So if everything goes to plan, we will be able to start building the tunnel in 2028.

Port operations have a major impact

Port operations have a major positive impact on the region’s economy. A recent study shows that the Helsinki port operations total economic impact is around EUR 4.2 billion. To put that into perspective, with the same amount of money, you could build 42 Oodi libraries.

Operations related to traffic passing through the port generate over 39,000 jobs, when indirect effects are also included. A lot of people’s livelihoods and the joy that work brings depend on this.

A promising outlook for tourism

Excellent trends have been seen in tourism in Helsinki. Overnight stays by international passengers are approaching pre-pandemic levels, and the port’s passenger traffic to Tallinn and Stockholm grew strongly during the peak summer season. This shows that there is still great potential for Finland’s tourism exports, and especially in southern Finland. The outlook is promising, and we are committed to supporting developments through investments in smooth and sustainable passenger infrastructure and services. The development of the capital’s port will contribute to the competitiveness of the country as a whole.