Dangerous goods refers to goods, or packaging or 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.

Due to the transport of dangerous goods, harbours have an external rescue plan. It was prepared by the Helsinki Rescue Department in cooperation with the Port of Helsinki. The plan sets out measures to limit and manage potential accidents and their consequences. For more information on these rescue plans, visit the website of the Helsinki Rescue Department: https://pelastustoimi.fi/helsinki/palvelut/pelastustoiminta/ulkoiset-pelastussuunnitelmat

Advance notification

You must always submit an advance notification of a transportation assignment containing dangerous goods to the Port of Helsinki via the Dangerous Goods Notifications System. You must first register to use the notification system.

The shipper or consignor must provide the port authority and operator with details of the dangerous goods and amounts within good time – at the latest 24 hours before delivery into the harbour area.

Advance inquiry

For some goods an advance inquiry must be submitted in order to establish whether the goods can be transported through the Port. An advance inquiry is required when goods classified as extremely dangerous, or large quantities of dangerous goods, are to be transported. Shippers and consignors must be prepared for potential restrictions or special arrangements, such as direct onwards transportation, when transporting such goods.

Inquiry must be made and permission needs to be granted before a consignment is loaded onboard the vessel. Inquiry must me made lastest by noon on the previous working day before vessel´s arrival.

If the information in the advance notification indicates that an advance inquiry is necessary, the Port of Helsinki’s Dangerous Goods Notifications System sends a notification to the author of the advance notification.

• Ask for guidance on how to use the system: Va-info(at)portofhelsinki.fi
• Storage of dangerous goods, see price list p. 19–20