Expansion of the Southern Tip of West Harbor

We are expanding the field at the southern tip of West Harbor. This project enhances the operational capacity of a port that is crucial throughout Finland.

The expansion of West Harbor’s southern tip is a significant part of developing Helsinki’s port areas and the city’s long-term growth strategy. The project supports Helsinki’s position as Europe’s busiest passenger port, enabling smoother passenger and cargo traffic to Tallinn. The expansion is being implemented in close cooperation with Port of Helsinki Ltd and other stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on safety, environmental responsibility, and uninterrupted port operations.

Photo: Aki Rask / Helsingin Satama Oy

A New Urban Landscape

The expansion is part of the Port of Helsinki’s development program, which aims to modernize port areas and consolidate all Tallinn traffic at West Harbor in Jätkäsaari. Through this program, the port’s capacity will increase and traffic flow will improve, enhancing the city’s vitality and competitiveness. This project is one component of the broader West Harbor upgrades. Future phases will include pier renovations and related field expansions, a port tunnel, and a new Merikeskus.

The expansion will create 1.2 hectares of new yard space extending toward the sea. Two main piers will be lengthened—the outer pier by 100 meters and the inner pier by 50 meters. The berths used daily by Tallink and Eckerö Line vessels will remain unchanged, but new pier areas will be constructed as extensions toward the south using land reclamation.

The contract covers extensive pier and yard construction work, including demolition of existing structures, dredging, filling, fabrication and installation of pier elements, as well as implementation of technical systems and surface structures. The new pier will be built as a reinforced concrete corner-wall pier, with plate-like joint elements installed between the load-bearing corner-wall units.

Photo: Aki Rask / Helsingin Satama Oy

Complex Infrastructure Construction

Building at the water’s edge and in demanding winter conditions requires specialized expertise. Much of the work will take place at sea, where ice, wind, and waves may slow progress. Construction will be carried out to ensure that port operations continue with minimal disruption throughout the project.

Work in the Neptunus Park area began with the fabrication of reinforced concrete retaining wall elements. A total of 67 elements will be produced—34 K-elements (approx. 230 tons each) and 33 joint elements (80–90 tons each). In the fall, a demanding slipform casting process was completed, producing elements 14.2 meters high. The casting process is continuous, and each element takes 80–90 hours to pour.

Construction started in the summer of 2025 and the project is expected to be completed by fall 2027. Port operations are expected to remain uninterrupted throughout the project.