At the start of 2019, the Port of Helsinki introduced a pricing model with the objective of steering truck traffic to the harbours outside the city centre during rush hours. With the model in use, the truck traffic in Vuosaari has increased by 33 per cent and the traffic in the central harbour areas has decreased by 4 per cent. Under the new pricing model, trucks receive a discount for using Vuosaari Harbour, and the truck charges for the central harbours are increased during rush hours.
The price steering of truck charges at Port of Helsinki has worked as intended. Heavy traffic has no longer increased in the central harbours, while at the same time truck traffic in Vuosaari has developed in a positive way.
– The port aims to direct the growth of cargo traffic to Vuosaari Harbour. We can be happy with the new pricing model. Harbour truck traffic has been reduced in the city centre by 4 per cent and in West Harbour by as much as 6 per cent. At the same time, truck traffic in Vuosaari has grown by 33 per cent, says Ville Haapasaari, CEO of Port of Helsinki Ltd.
The Port of Helsinki will continue the price steering this year as well. Price steering is one way to streamline port traffic, but other means are also needed alongside it, such as the digital solutions already implemented at the Port of Helsinki to optimise traffic and streamline vessels’ check-in functions through automation, as well as traffic arrangements if necessary.
– Traffic pricing cannot transfer all the port’s truck traffic to Vuosaari, but directing the growth of traffic there is realistic. The passenger ferries to the centre of Helsinki bring a significant amount of transportation essential to Finland’s foreign trade and business, and increase the vitality of the city centre and the attractiveness of tourism. Transporting cargo and passengers on the same ships is a prerequisite for profitable business for passenger shipping companies. At the same time, it makes the most sense for the environment, Haapasaari continues.
Connection between Helsinki and Tallinn is unique
Directing traffic to Vuosaari has been facilitated by the Tallink vessel Sea Wind already operating from Vuosaari. Growth has also been made possible by a new connection, as the Eckerö Line vessel Finbo Cargo started operating between Vuosaari Harbour and Tallinn at the end of June 2019.
Overall, cargo traffic between Helsinki and Tallinn grew by 2.5 per cent in 2019.
The traffic of the Port of Helsinki connects Tallinn and Helsinki virtually into a twin city. This is of great importance for labour mobility, business and tourism.
For more information, please contact:
Ville Haapasaari
CEO, Port of Helsinki Ltd
+358 40 7098798
ville.haapasaari(at)portofhelsinki.fi
