Projects

Mussalo extension project

An environmental impact assessment was conducted for the future extensions in the Mussalo harbour in 2006, and a general plan in 2007. The plan covers a 160-hectare extension area on the western side of Mussalo harbour mainly to serve container traffic.

The extension project can be implemented in phases if necessary. Part of the project has valid environmental permits for construction and dock work. The 35-hectare portion of the ground work on side embankments and general landfills has started.

Hietanen extension project

An environmental impact assessment was made for the future extensions in the Hietanen harbour in 2006, and a general plan in 2007.

In accordance with the plan, a disposal site for the dredging material is under construction to be used in the future maintenance dredging of the dock. The plan includes additional berths and assessments for reorganising the dock area. The project has valid environmental permits for construction and dock work.

Deepening the fairway in Port of Hamina

The fairway in the Port of Hamina will be straightened and dredged to 12 metres. Work started in 2008 and will be finished in 2011. The permit granted by the Regional Environment Centre allowed the dredging of almost a million cubic metres of land material from the fairway and the dock area. The materials from the dredging have been utilized for the expansion of the container terminal.

Previously, the fairway’s maximum tonnage was about 40,000 tons. As depth increases from 10 to 12 metres, it can handle ships that are 7 to 10 metres wider and 20 to 30 metres longer, which increases the cargo capacity by 50 %.

Deepening the fairway is especially important for the oil harbour. The liquid cargo trade develops and larger commercial cargoes are becoming the trend. Deepening the fairway enables customers to use Panamax class vessels for their traffic.

The sea fairway leading to Hamina is a natural passage drawn on the map and later marked with seamarks. During the years the marks have been improved, the passage deepened by dredging and straightened to meet the requirements set by seafaring and safety.