Port of Kemi Expansion Project Enters Finishing and Testing Phases

Aug. 30, 2023 - Started in the spring 2021, the biggest expansion in the history of the Port of Kemi in Finland has moved ahead to finishing and testing phases.

According to the Port, expansion work has advanced as planned and finishing work as well as testing is now underway in the expansion area.

“At the moment, an inspection of the safe clearance depth is ongoing in the dock area according to the specifications of the Finnis Transport and Communications Agency Traficom.” said Jari Heikkilä, Technical Manager at Port of Kemi. “The inspection will be finished by the end of August, after which Traficom will give the green light for the new waterway.

“The expansion project has affected the entire port. For example, we have upgraded the ICT infrastructure and built new fresh water and sewage systems. Also, the quay numbers in Ajos have changed during the project,” Heikkilä said.

Port of Ajos is located approximately 10 km southwest from the city of Kemi in an island called Ajos. Among others, containers, forest industry products as well as various bulk products such as raw wood, papers fillers and scrap iron are shipped through it.

On August 10, the new quay and new electrical stowing equipment of the port operator Kemi Shipping were tested when cargo vessel Launkaline was moored on the new quay. The vessel visit was successful and it provided a valuable experience.

“Once we get the Traficom’s approval for the new waterway, much larger vessels can visit Port of Kemi,” Heikkilä added.

SOURCE: Port of Kemi