Port of Pietarsaari is ready for long and heavy cargo
An increasing amount of wind farms are being built on the Ostrobothnian and Central Ostrobothnian coast in the next few years. Of these, 20-30 percent will logistically be at an optimal distance from the Port of Pietarsaari in Jakobstad. To cater for this new type of project load, the port has taken several measures:
“In the past year, we have prepared a direct route from the port to the highway to allow easy access for these 80-metre long and 100-tonne heavy shipments. Often wind mills need temporary storing, so we have also opened a new storage ground, which we will double in 2023. Finally, we have invested in a second large harbour crane, which can lift up to 140 tonnes and pair up with our other large crane for long and heavy loads”, explains Juha Hakala, Managing Director of the Port of Pietarsaari.
On a 500-metre quay, the Port of Pietarsaari has a channel depth of 11 metres, allowing several large ships to dock at the same time. The sheer size of wind mill cargo makes these precious loads tough to handle:
“Wings are often loaded on top of each other on the ship, making the cargo up 15-20 metres high. To unload them, we need specialised stevedores with climbing experience. As the wings come in sets of three, they must also be handled with utmost delicacy. Managing safety and minimising risks are really key to planning these projects”, says Pauli Rautiainen, Operations Director of Euroports, the port operator in Jakobstad.
In addition to enabling wind power, the Port of Pietarsaari is also taking several other big actions for an environmentally sustainable future. All the machines bought for the port in the future are either electric or hybrid, and all port lights have been replaced by LED lamps.
Since 2022, LNG-fuelled ships have been able to refuel in Jakobstad. The port is also ready to provide ships with onshore power supply, OPS, to replace the engine-generated electricity needed onboard for loading, unloading, heating and lighting.
