tiveness, which will also be reflected at the largest export port in Finland, the Port of HaminaKotka.”
As a result of the war in Ukraine, the sanctions imposed by the EU on Russia are also affecting Port of HaminaKotka Ltd. It has been hoped that fertilizer transport from Russia, which is excluded from the sanctions and is strongly protected by the UN because it supports the food supply chain, will remain at its current level, but as the fairway dues in Finland multiply, the continuation of fertilizer transport is at stake. Fertiliser transport has accounted for approx. 15% of the total annual transport volume of the port. If fertilizer transport through the Port of HaminaKotka diminishes, it will be impossible to replace such a significant amount of traffic in a short timeframe. The port company works closely with the municipalities and economic development companies in the region to attract port-related industries to the area, but the progress of the projects takes time due to issues such as permitting processes.
The United States is tightening trade policy with various tariffs, which may also affect Finnish exporting companies and consequently the Port of HaminaKotka. The unstable geopolitical situation with its various contingency measures will probably direct the production of companies towards national solutions instead of global operations. This will affect the traffic flows, which is why it is increasingly difficult to predict the developments in traffic in the coming years. For this reason, Port of HaminaKotka Ltd has to carefully consider future investments. However, the number of measures to improve security and control must be further increased and cooperation with authorities must be intensified, which will increase costs and work in the port company.
Modest economic growth
From the point of view of the port, the Finnish economy does not yet show signs of recovery from the recession, even though some institutions have been predicting this for quite some time. However, there are positive indications, and a good example of this is the decision by Easpring Finland New Materials Oy to start the construction of a cathode materials plant in the Keltakallio industrial area in Kotka. The port company is actively involved in locating battery factory projects and other port-related projects that promote the green transition in the KotkaHamina region.
Exports* 8,609,235 t -8.5 % Imports** 4,538,356 t -3.6 % Total 13,147,591 t -6.9 %
*Also includes export transit ** Also includes import transit
Vessel calls
2181
Containers
572,447 TEU
Cargo transport at the Port of HaminaKotka 2024
Cargo transport at the Port of HaminaKotka 2024
Economic life and businesses playing a key role in the reconstruction of Ukraine
The possibility of a ceasefire and a permanent peace in the war in Ukraine have been raised in discussion in international politics. Extensive reconstruction has typically followed post-war peace treaties, and this can be expected in Ukraine, too. There will be a race to see who will be able to participate in the reconstruction work.
According to calculations by the World Bank, the UN, the European Commission and the Ukrainian Government, the reconstruction of Ukraine would cost an estimated 524 billion dollars, or 500 billion euros. Based on the Government Programme of the Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland together with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the Ministry of Finance and business stakeholders has drawn up a plan for Finland’s participation in the reconstruction of Ukraine. The first part of the plan published in December 2023 focuses especially on the financing and advisory services that are appropriate for Finnish companies. These services are needed so that companies could be involved in the reconstruction
project that will be very extensive in terms of funding and timeframe.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs published the second part of Finland’s national reconstruction plan for Ukraine in December 2024. Finland’s support includes development cooperation, humanitarian aid and material assistance. Repairing the destruction of war and building a new sustainable economy is an effort spanning over years and requiring wideranging international support and participation. Economic life and businesses play a key role in this.
The reconstruction of Ukraine will require above all basic infrastructure, such as roads, shelters, water, housing, schools, green technology, hospitals, and electricity and telecom-
munications networks. Finnish companies can participate in the reconstruction in many ways, utilising their expertise, infrastructure and logistics connections. Finland has often been blamed of relying on basic industry for too long and not sufficiently developing processed products. However, in this situation a strong basic industry is a significant resource, which is needed especially in reconstruction. The Port of HaminaKotka has a long and versatile experience in serving strong Finnish industries. This gives it excellent capabilities to serve as a logistics hub related to reconstruction. The port serves all modes of transport and offers excellent connections to the ports on the Baltic Sea, through which materials and supplies can move smoothly to Ukraine.
The Port of HaminaKotka serves all modes of transport and provides
on
Baltic Sea. Photograph: Vesa Hovi.
AIDAbella will launch the cruise season in June
The Covid-19 pandemic together with the unstable geopolitical situation and the consequent absence of St. Petersburg as a port and travel destination have affected international cruise traffic on the Eastern Baltic Sea for several years now. However, consumers are increasingly interested in cruise ports on the Eastern Baltic Sea, and alternative ports suitable for Baltic Sea cruise itineraries, such as HaminaKotka, are becoming more and more attractive. The ability to receive vessels of all sizes and a location close to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, and Helsinki, the capital of Finland, render the Port of HaminaKotka as a viable option as a destination for cruise lines.
This year, the international cruise season of the Port of HaminaKotka will start in midJune with the arrival of the AIDAbella of AIDA Cruises in Hamina. This cruise line returns to HaminaKotka after a break of some years, as its vessel AIDAmar made its inaugural call at
HaminaKotka in 2017. The other cruise ships visiting the Port of HaminaKotka during the summer will arrive at Kantasatama in Kotka. A total of four international cruise ships will visit the Port of HaminaKotka this season.
Tour operators will arrange guided excursions for cruise guests to attractions such as the Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge, museums, the Kymijoki River and the nearby archipelago. Sightseeing tours in Kotka and Hamina have also been popular among cruise guests. Since the ships stay in the port all day, visitors often also tour the town on their own and use the services of local service providers.
Despite the challenges in recent years, the Port of HaminaKotka has done active efforts for promoting international cruise traffic.
“We look into the future with confidence, as we have already received reservations from cruise line companies for the next two years. We are also involved in the Cruise Finland co-
operation network, which was established last year. It promotes the reputation of Finland as a cruise destination in the international cruise market,” says Petra Cranston, Project Manager, Cruise Business, of Port of HaminaKotka Ltd.
Cruise ships due to arrive at the Port of HaminaKotka in 2025:
15 June AIDAbella, Hamina
29 June Sirena, Kantasatama
5 July Azamara Journey, Kantasatama
4 August Hebridean Sky, Kantasatama
(The information is subject to change.)
The Azamara Journey, the sister ship of the cruise ship Azamara Onward pictured here, will call at the Port of HaminaKotka in July Photograph: Jarno Koivula.
Kotkan Satamatalot Oy 25 years
Kotkan Satamatalot Oy is a subsidiary of Port of HaminaKotka Ltd. Kotkan Satamatalot Oy rents out office, warehouse and workshop facilities in the various parts of the port in Kotka and Hamina. The company focuses on the ownership and management of real estate in a way that supports the operations of the parent company and promotes the development of port traffic in the area.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Kotkan Satamatalot Oy. The company’s Managing Director Eija Rossi is
particularly pleased with the high utilisation rate of warehouse facilities.
“Kotkan Satamatalot Oy has managed to keep abreast of the times in the rapidly changing business environment. We have been able to respond to the customers’ needs by utilising the existing buildings. This brings an advantage to our customers because they do not have to build their own facilities, but they have quick access to facilities through us,” she says.
Mari-Anne Aalto, Property Manager who has worked for the company for a long time,
Port at international trade fairs
As usual, the Port of HaminaKotka will participate in the BreakBulk Europe fair in Rotterdam and the Transport Logistic fair in Munich.
The annual BreakBulk Europe fair celebrates its 20th anniversary, and the event has been renewed in honour of the anniversary by extending the event period to three full days and by introducing an additional facility and wider main corridors that help visitors find exhibitors quickly and offer direct routes to the main stage, among other things.
Transport Logistic in Munich, one of the world’s biggest trade fairs in logistics, IT and supply chain management, will once again bring together major players in logistics from around the world. The previous fair in 2023 attracted nearly 75,000 visitors from 135 countries.
Welcome to meet us at trade fairs!
says that the changes in the business environment are also reflected in the customers of office premises.
“The clientele of office tenants has changed, and as the number of international forwarding companies has decreased due to the sanctions related to trade with Russia, other operators have replaced them. As an example, in office centre Kuorsalo we have been able to provide the Town of Hamina with well-functioning premises that suit their needs,” she says.
BreakBulk Europe, Rotterdam Ahoy 13-15 May 2025 Hall 1, stand 1G25-H24 europe.breakbulk.com
