Article categories: News
The expansion of the main freight dock was opened for use – doubling the capacity of the Port of Vaasa
Published: 29.1.2025
The expansion of the main freight dock at the Port of Vaasa has been completed. The expansion will increase the port’s capacity and significantly shorten the waiting times for freight ships. The opening of the new dock was celebrated this week.
The main freight dock, known as ‘Lasse’s Dock’, is now a total of 358 metres long. The 144-metre-long extension enables the simultaneous handling of two or even three vessels in the port.
– Freight ships are typically about 150 metres long. Previously, the dock could accommodate only one vessel, but with the extension, the capacity will essentially double, says Janne Pylkkönen, CEO of the Port of Vaasa Group.
With the extension, the Port of Vaasa can accommodate vessels up to 250 metres long.
– This opens up entirely new opportunities for us. We will be able to increase the volume of freight traffic and better meet the needs of the region’s economy, says Pylkkönen.
Shorter waiting times
The extension will significantly reduce the waiting times for ships. Previously, one vessel took up the entire dock capacity, and others had to wait their turn in the Kvarken – sometimes for days.
– Now, the average waiting time is reduced from a full day to just a couple of hours. This is a significant improvement compared to before, says Tommi Tuominen, Development Director at Kvarken Ports Vaasa.
The extension also increases flexibility: while one ship is being loaded and unloaded, preparations for another can already begin.
The fairway will be widened next summer
The dock expansion is part of the Port of Vaasa’s extensive development programme. By the end of the decade, a total of approximately 50 million euros will be invested in the port.
Next summer, the port basin will be dredged, and the fairway leading to the port will be widened to 140 metres. Together, these will allow the port to accommodate larger and more environmentally friendly freight vessels.
The earth materials obtained from the widening will be used to expand the port area by approximately seven hectares.
– Our plans also include the revamping of the port terminal and the construction of a new ramp area, specifically designed to meet the needs of heavy project and specialised transport, Tuominen says.
