Joint terminal project in Port of Turku proceeds
The Port of Turku, City of Turku, Tallink Silja Oy and Viking Line Abp (partner of RealTimeFerries Project) signed in autumn 2018 a strategic letter of intent on a joint objective for the development of the port area in Turku. The goal is to develop the strong passenger, cargo and cruise traffic operations in the area in such a way that the reforms will have a positive effect on the port and generate significant added value to tourism. Through co-operation between different parties a unique maritime district will be created in the Turku passenger harbour where passenger and cargo transports as well as business operations and a residential area will develop side by side.
Project based on smooth flow of passenger traffic
The development project is divided into three parts, of which the biggest and most prominent consists of the new joint terminal for ship traffic and the multi-storey car park to be built near it. The other parts of the project focus on further development of areas released from port operations in Kanavaniemi, and traffic arrangements in the western part of the inner harbour. All parts of the project are being handled in a number of working groups with representation from all key project parties. The management group comprises of management of the City of Turku as well as representatives of the management of the Port and the shipping companies.
“Port of Turku Ltd will build the new terminal and run its operations. Compared to the current situation the change will be significant, because the terminals being used at present are owned and operated by the shipping companies. After the completion of the new joint terminal both shipping companies undertake to use it for regular liner traffic in accordance with their current timetables. The goal is to have the new terminal completed by the end of 2024”, says Christian Ramberg, Managing Director of Port of Turku Ltd.
New multi-storey car park scheduled for next year
The smooth flow of passenger traffic will be enhanced already before the construction of the new terminal. Repairs of Tallink Silja’s outdoor area will start by the end of this year, with new check-in points to be added. At the same time, the construction of the Port’s new multi-storey car park will commence, due for completion in 2021. Concentrating parking in one place will simplify the traffic arrangements in the port and ensure that there are parking places for all ship passengers – also after the new, larger vessels with higher passenger capacity are introduced on the route.
Digitalisation provides added flexibility and efficiency
The opportunities enabled by the latest technology and digitalisation are used in enhancing the Port’s operative functions.
“The digital aspect will result in flexible, even faster service and improved safety. To ensure safety we are testing new methods in the check-in of both vehicles and passengers, including facial recognition. The new gate, photography and weighing systems in turn enhance and speed up the operations, as does the automatic mooring and unmooring system to be installed in the passenger harbour”, Managing Director Christian Ramberg emphasises.
Timetable for the joint terminal in the Port of Turku:
2018 Signing of the letter of intent, setting up of working groups and initiation of planning
2018–2019 Assessment of zoning needs as the work progresses
2020-2021 Construction of multi-storey car park
2019-2021 Necessary changes to the town plan and street plans
2021 Viking Line Abp’s new passenger vessel introduced, using the current terminal
2021-2024 Implementation of changes in the West Harbour area
2021-2024 Building of new traffic connections
2023-2024 Construction of the terminal building and finalising of the nearby areas
2025 New joint terminal for ship traffic introduced
2025-2029 Development of the released areas for other use by the City
Source and more information: Aboard – Port of Turku online magazine
