This Is How West Harbour Is Being Transformed Into the Hub for Travel to Tallinn
Text Mihail Tchitcherin / Port of Helsinki Photos Port of Helsinki / Aki Rask, Port of Helsinki, Tietoa Finland Oy / Port of Helsinki
The redevelopment of West Harbour is already visible to passengers.
The Helsinki–Tallinn route is one of Europe’s busiest international sea routes, and for many of us, travelling by ferry to Estonia is part of everyday life or eagerly anticipated leisure time.
In the coming years, major changes will take place around the familiar quays as the Port of Helsinki completely reshapes the capital’s harbour map. The biggest and most visible transformation concerns West Harbour, where all passenger traffic to Estonia will eventually be concentrated.
Clarity for maritime traffic: all Tallinn traffic at the same location
For those who regularly travel to Tallinn by ferry, the change will above all bring clarity. In the future, all passenger and car ferry traffic between Helsinki and Tallinn will depart from and arrive at the same location: West Harbour. The Tallinn ferries currently operating from Katajanokka are expected to move to Jätkäsaari in around 2032.
“We want travelling to be as effortless as possible. When all Tallinn traffic is concentrated in one location, we can build the services, signage, and logistics from the ground up specifically for passengers travelling to and from Estonia,” says Kaj Takolander, Director of Passenger Business at the Port of Helsinki.
To enable the consolidation, major expansion works are under way at West Harbour. The old T1 terminal has already been demolished, and a modern Maritime Centre is planned in its place. The harbour area is being expanded out into the sea and the quays are being renovated to meet future needs, including the electrification of maritime traffic. At the same time, a harbour tunnel is being built from West Harbour directly to the Länsiväylä motorway.
The redevelopment is already visible and audible in the harbour area
Major changes do not happen overnight, and passengers heading to West Harbour by car can already see the disruption. The quay renovations currently under way in the area require drivers to pay close attention, as they bring changing traffic arrangements. The familiar route to the ship may change at short notice, so following the signs is particularly important right now.
In addition to becoming visible, the redevelopment will soon become audible too: new phases of construction beginning in the autumn will inevitably bring more noise and clatter than usual to the area. Fortunately, only temporarily.
The tunnel will eliminate Jätkäsaari congestion
The biggest relief for passengers travelling by car and for freight will be the harbour tunnel, eagerly awaited by local residents. It will take trucks and passenger cars directly from the heart of West Harbour to the Länsiväylä motorway, saving travellers from the slow-moving queues on the streets of Ruoholahti.
“The tunnel will make getting onto and off the ships smoother. At the same time, it will make the area more pleasant and safer, because heavy traffic will be removed from the streets,” Takolander continues.
A domino effect: Katajanokka for Stockholm ferries, South Harbour for the city
The redevelopment of West Harbour will trigger a positive domino effect in Helsinki’s other harbours. All ferry traffic between Helsinki and Stockholm will be concentrated at Katajanokka, whose historic passenger terminal will undergo extensive renovation and expansion.
The third major piece will fall into place when Tallink Silja’s Stockholm ferries leave South Harbour entirely. The area around the Olympia Terminal and South Harbour will free up a huge amount of valuable waterfront space for Helsinki residents and visitors. Plans for the area include a new architecture and design museum, walking routes and vibrant urban culture with cafés and other amenities.
Everyday life continues despite the construction
Although construction at West Harbour will continue well into the 2030s, the Port of Helsinki is investing in ensuring that ferry traffic operates smoothly throughout the redevelopment. Passenger comfort will not be compromised even while construction continues all around.
“We are doing everything with the needs of passengers and freight customers at the forefront. We want to ensure that boarding and disembarking are as comfortable and straightforward as possible even in the middle of the construction works,” says Takolander.
For those travelling to Tallinn, the future looks increasingly smooth and modern, even if a few detours will still have to be taken along the way.
To learn more about this and similar topicsEstonia Harbour harbour tunnel Helsinki Jätkäsaari passenger traffic Tourism West Harbour
