From central Finland, for example, the mining industry has long transported its products to international markets via the port of Kokkola. Anssi Martinmäki, Commercial Manager of Port of Kokkola Ltd, says that the Port of Kokkola is also well placed to act as an enabler for large projects and project packages in the Sydänsuomiessa region and for existing industry.
"Above all, we can provide comprehensive international connections for exports and imports. We want to enable the development of the Sydänsuomessa region through efficient export and import routes that connect the project areas and operators in the vicinity of Highway 13 to a global entity," Martinmäki continues.
The port is expanding to the sea
The Kokkola port complex consists of three separate ports, with a total production area of 123 hectares. New production areas are currently being created as the port expands out to sea.
In addition to almost 10 hectares of inland storage facilities, there are 15 hectares of field storage areas at the container and project cargo terminal in the Silverstone port alone. There is an immediate possibility to expand the field storage areas in Silverstone up to 45 hectares, with a total of 117 hectares of expansion subject to planning permission. The main harbour is home to the only all-weather terminal (AWT) in the Nordic countries, which serves, among other things, container transport for solar panels and battery storage, as well as industrial breakbulk.
The extensive crane capacity includes two Gottwald cranes for heavy project lifting in the Silverstone port and the STS container crane, called Mörkö, which will be commissioned in early 2025.
The special transport route proved its worth
Thanks to its extensive field areas, crane capacity and a deep draft of 14.2 metres, Kokkola can handle container vessels of up to Panamax size.
"An important part of the whole is the special transport route leading out of the port. It has proved its worth in a major project, where around 1 100 special transports will leave the Port of Kokkola for the wind farm being built by OX2 in Lestijärvi," says Anssi Martinmäki, adding that the rail connections will further strengthen the Port of Kokkola's role as a hub in international logistics.
The Port of Kokkola is a toolport port, which enables Kokkola Port Ltd to provide its customers with a full range of logistics services, including stevedoring and forwarding. This also reduces the vulnerability of port logistics to disruptions, while improving security of supply and maintenance.
"Within the trans-European transport network, we are currently part of the comprehensive TEN-T network, but we are working hard to become part of the TEN-T core network. This would open up new funding opportunities for us in a situation where we are planning to build, for example, a RoRo ramp," says Martinmäki.
"A natural route to the international market"
The Koivuranta industrial estate in Karstula is an interesting example of an ongoing regional project. The project, covering some 30 hectares and with a total budget of €1.6 million, is being built with JTF funding and financing from the municipality of Karstula.
Koivuranta offers opportunities for investments in sectors such as energy, logistics services and security of supply. "In the immediate vicinity of the industrial site, there is also a 20-hectare area where renewable solar energy could be produced for the properties to be built in Koivuranta," says Project Manager Juha Honkonen from the development company Karstulanseutu Oy.
He says that the Port of Kokkola provides a natural route to international markets for companies in the area. Highway 13 also plays a key role in logistics, and Mr Honkonen considers it important for the vitality of the entire Sydänsuomessa region to investigate and improve its carrying capacity.
"In early summer, infrastructure construction and landscaping work will continue in the Koivuranta industrial area, and in autumn asphalt will be laid. In the summer, the construction of the access road from Highway 13 will also begin. After the final inspection, the area will be ready for use," says Mr Honkonen.
Photo captions:
The Port of Kokkola has also invested heavily in the development of container traffic. The picture shows an STS container crane, which will be commissioned at the beginning of 2025, unloading containers in the port of Hopeakivi. Photo by Port of Kokkola/Clas-Olav Slotte
