The Port of Helsinki registers increase in cargo traffic

Helsinki, November 21, 2014 (STAT):- Port of Helsinki has grown steadily throughout the year in respect of cargo traffic, totalling 8.5 million tonnes in January-October. This indicates a growth of 5 % compared to the same period last year. Import and export traffic reached nearly similar numbers, though exports have shown more signs of growth in recent years. Exports totalled 4.4 million tonnes, an increase of 7 % from the previous year, while imports totalled 4.1 million tonnes, an increase of 2 %.

The increased traffic is largely due to increased trade between Finland and the Baltic states, as well as central eastern Europe. Cargo traffic between Helsinki and Tallinn has grown by 11 % this year, with growth focusing on exports.

Of all unitized cargo traffic, one third, or 2.8 tonnes, was transported as container traffic, an increase of 1 % compared to the previous year. The number of containers was 340 000 TEU, a decrease of 2 % compared to the previous year caused by the reduced number of empty containers. Half of the container traffic was directed at or originated from German ports.

Two thirds of the traffic was transported on rubber wheels in trucks or trailers. The number of trucks and trailers rose to 424 000, which was an increase of 4% in the number of units and 7 % in the amount of cargo. Half of the units were transported between Helsinki and Tallinn, while 20 % were transported between Helsinki and Travemünde.

This has been a record-breaking year for the Port of Helsinki’s passenger traffic. The number of liner traffic passengers in January-October was 9.3 million, an increase of 2 % from the previous year. Routes between Helsinki and Tallinn accounted for 75 % of the passengers, while routes between Helsinki and Stockholm accounted for 20 %. The other destinations are Travemünde, Rostock and St Petersburg.