We asked Tero Valu, Traffic Manager at the Port of Helsinki, who is in charge of general operations and security at Vuosaari Harbour. He says that naval visits from NATO countries had already increased during the application process.

“Equipment for use in military exercises began flowing into the country through ports as soon as Finland joined NATO. Similar equipment transports were previously quite rare,” says Valu.

The Port of Helsinki has therefore gained a new user group, and the increase in traffic volumes requires the coordination of new and existing traffic flows. The port is also planning projects to support NATO transports.

“We cannot, of course, know the exact volumes in advance, but there are indications that NATO will maintain an active training programme.” Although NATO traffic is a relatively small addition to the Port of Helsinki in terms of volume, it definitely attracts attention.

The equipment required for military exercises is transported through Vuosaari and city-centre harbours. Naval visits are handled by city-centre harbours.

“We aren’t in direct contact with NATO’s military exercise units. It’s the Finnish Defence Forces that coordinate materiel movements. We run through the details with them, for example, how heavy equipment should be shipped through the various sections of the port. We also make the necessary preparations when we know that a larger consignment is arriving.”

“In practice, equipment entering and leaving the country requires waiting areas at the port. We also ensure the safe movement of convoys in the port area. Naval visits require extensive preparations at city-centre harbours, and vessel services need to be customised while the vessels are moored.”

“All traffic related to military exercises operates on the same terms and conditions as commercial traffic, and any matters related to it will be handled in close cooperation with the Finnish Defence Forces. We’re waiting to hear what effect the forthcoming DCA agreement will have on equipment transport and cooperation in the future. This is a new thing for us, and we’re keen to be involved in developing these new traffic flows.”