The volume of unitized cargo traffic passing through the Port of Helsinki was 8.5 million tonnes for the period January-October. Compared with last year, this represents an increase of 4 %, the Helsinki Port Authority press release said.
The volume of imports has reached the level achieved in 2008, before the recession began. So, it took three years for the revival of imports from the last recession, while exports have clearly remained below the 2008 level.
The port's cargo traffic is sensitive to fluctuations in the economic conditions. In November, the cargo traffic passing through the Port of Helsinki was at the same level as in the previous year, so based on November at least, it would seem that growth has stopped.
Growth in traffic at the Port of Helsinki has centred on rubber-wheeled traffic in particular, which has grown by 8 % since last year. The largest cargo flows, 50 % of the port's total traffic, travel between Helsinki and Tallinn and between Helsinki and Travemünde. The Port of Helsinki's market share of rubber-wheeled traffic is 57 %. Container traffic has remained at last year's level. The Port of Helsinki's market share of container traffic is over 28 %.
Bulk cargo traffic has shrunk since the Laajasalo oil harbour's operations ended. Bulk cargo comprises imports of coal for Helsingin Energia's power plants and sand transported by coastal roads.
Passenger traffic has continued to be busy, and the volume of passengers in liner traffic was 8.8 million for the period January-October. Compared with last year, this represents an increase of 5 %. The most popular destination is still Tallinn, and this year the growth on this route has been 6 %. There are many possible reasons why people travel to Tallinn.
"In particular, the combined labour markets of Helsinki and Tallinn generate a lot of work-based travel. Besides Tallinn, travellers have discovered interesting destinations for pastimes and culture", says Eve Tuomola, Office Manager, who is responsible for statistics at the Port of Helsinki. The other travel destinations are Stockholm, St. Petersburg, Lübeck and Gdynia.