Ready for the energy transition

CEO Tiina Vepsäläinen says that these investments are significant for a port of Loviisa’s size.

“We’re building more storage areas for circular economy and energy fractions – and indeed any port products. Our second investment is a new silo to expand the cement terminal,” says Vepsäläinen.

The total value of these investments is about EUR 3 million. A 1.3-hectare extension of the harbour area will be located on the northern side of the port.

“Land reclamation began back in 1997, but was never finished. The structure of our port will now be completed in that respect. I’ve invited Lauri Heikkilä, who was Port Director during the filling process, to visit,” says Vepsäläinen.

And there are still other areas into which the port could expand. According to the CEO, the port is considering how to utilise these areas – and repurpose the space used for transit traffic – to serve the changes in energy flows that will result from the green transition.

“We can definitely be of service during this energy transition. The global geopolitical situation has changed and energy flows are being reshaped. Logistical flows will also change as we switch from fossil fuels to green energy sources,” notes Vepsäläinen.

Sufficient demand for energy fraction storage

Wood chips used by the energy industry already pass through the Port of Loviisa and Vepsäläinen sees them accounting for an increasing proportion of the port’s business.

“In addition to wood chips, there is clear demand for storing waste bales and other new energy fractions – and both product groups are growing,” she says.

Wood chips for energy production were previously imported from Russia, so these import flows will change.

Vepsäläinen says that new sources of energy fractions will be market-driven.

“We can also be of service if they need to be transported by water from the west coast to other areas within Finland. We’ve had this kind of coastal traffic before. Using domestic coastal transport would free up trucks, some of which would then be needed on shorter feeder routes from the port to the final destination. “ This would improve cost-effectiveness, whilst also reducing transport emissions. Larger quantities can be transported between ports, and trucks would also be freed up for use elsewhere,” says Vepsäläinen.

Cement silo to increase capacity

The Port of Loviisa has long had a cement terminal owned by one of the port’s clients. The port is now building an extension at this client’s request.

“Our client would like more storage space for forwarding their products. The expansion will also enable them to introduce new products at a later date.”

The new silo is scheduled for completion in the summer.

Construction of the silo itself began at the turn of the year, but work to expand the harbour area started back in 2021. The harbour area expansion is scheduled for completion in May. Vepsäläinen says that the investments will improve the port’s service ability.

“If we consider next winter in terms of energy and raw wood materials – and indeed any products – we’ll be able to provide flexible service and even get large flows of goods through the port if necessary.”