As customers’ needs evolve, Port of Kokkola invests in big changes
With its three ports that cover an area of 540 hectares, Port of Kokkola is the third biggest port in Finland as well as a regular destination and departure point for the country’s biggest ships. However, as the port prepares for future transport needs, even more area is needed.
“The use of both onshore and offshore wind power is increasing. This does not only mean growing import volumes but also bigger components, since offshore wind turbines are significantly larger. To make sure that our port has the best infrastructure for wind power logistics, we launched the Power-4-Future project in 2021. It is a 10 million euro investment, of which the EU is funding 30 percent”, says Torbjörn Witting, CEO.
The main goal of the project has been to develop the Silverstone Port area. Its quay has been lengthened to 400 metres and the cargo field has been expanded to 15 hectares.
“We also have almost 20 hectares of partially filled water area that we can utilise if we need a bigger quay or more space for cargo in the future.”
Planning the General Port’s upcoming shore quay refurbishment and the construction of a RoRo ramp is also part of the project.
“The General Port is our oldest port area. We have been modernising it for years – it now has the only all-weather terminal in the Nordic countries, for example. Next, we are planning to refurbish its shore quay for containers and general cargo. A ramp will also be built on the quay for RoRo ships that carry wheeled cargo, such as cars”, Witting states.
Port of Kokkola’s investments in expansions and modern cargo handling equipment open new logistical opportunities for the local companies. However, these investments are not the only thing that help the port offer comprehensive customer service.
“In 2022, two of Wallenius SOL’s new container ships started weekly traffic between Kokkola and Antwerp in Belgium. This has multiplied our container traffic capacity, and our customers are able to make full use of container transport.”
