The Port of Helsinki’s quay reservations and main gate are making a digital leap.

The Port of Helsinki is investing in two new digital solutions that will significantly streamline everyday life for the port’s customers.

The measuring and photographing of trucks driving into Vuosaari Harbour will be centralised on the main gate, which will be equipped with new technology. The Port’s quay reservations will also be transferred to a modern online platform.

This online platform will provide port operators with a real-time situational picture of port quay reservations, all the way down to individual moorings.

“To date, people have had to make quay reservations by phone or email. Information about quay reservations has been shared with dozens of operators using an Excel spreadsheet. This data often becomes outdated as soon as the email is sent,” says Jani Lindroos, Development Manager at the Port of Helsinki.

In Vuosaari, vessels are loaded and unloaded by four port operators. The new system will enable all port operators to plan their operations more efficiently.

“For example, when making quay reservations for container ships, we sometimes have to assess the available space on the quay to an accuracy of metres. The new system will provide an even more accurate view of this, which will significantly streamline operators’ communications,” says Lindroos.

The reservation system will enable port operators to see the real-time reservation status of all berths, all the way down to individual moorings.
Image: Timo Porthan

One main gate for all

From now on, all vehicles delivering cargo to the port will be measured, weighed and photographed at the main gate. The port will also collect measurement data from outgoing truck traffic.

Measurements are currently taken at two gates administered by port operators. The single-gate model, which has been in the pipeline for years, will free up areas of land in the harbour for more flexible use.

“Centralisation will allow us to free up some areas of land, which will make it easier to modify traffic arrangements,” says Lindroos.

In addition to providing vehicle weights and dimensions, the upgraded main gate will also produce completely new data about the condition of vehicles.

In the future, all trucks driving into the harbour will be photographed to record their condition. Vehicles will be photographed from both sides, from the rear and from above. Haulage equipment will also be photographed from a downwards slanting angle. This will make it possible to identify any damage to trailers in particular.

In the future, all trucks driving into the harbour will be photographed to record their condition.

Line cameras give sharp images

The images will be taken using cameras equipped with computer vision software. These cameras generate a high-resolution image one row of pixels at a time. Line cameras are particularly suited to capturing moving subjects in detail.

“With the help of these vehicle condition photos, operators and logistics companies can be informed of the condition in which the vehicle and its cargo arrive in the port area. It will help us to sort out any potential damage.”

Lindroos says that the images will primarily be used by port operators, shipping companies and the Port of Helsinki. Transport companies may receive the images from the port operator on request.

Almost 1,400 trucks drive in and out of the Vuosaari Harbour’s main gate on weekdays.

“Measurements, weights and vehicle condition photos will be taken while the trucks are in motion. The drivers shouldn’t even notice,” says Lindroos.

If all goes well, the new systems will be deployed after a trial period in January 2024.