Helsinki

1. Helsinki N Pilot boards60°04.0′N 024°58.2′E
2. Helsinki S Pilot boards59°59.0′N 024°56.9′E
3. Vuosaari pilot boarding Pilot boards60°05.0′N 025°09.8′E

Size limits

Draught 11m, LOA 333.33m, beam 43.00m, 68,059DWT.

Water density

1000-1006.

Load line zone

Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for ships of 100m or less in length, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer April 1 to Oct 31.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

The main approach from seaward to Helsinki is from the Gulf of Finland TSS: the route passes E of Helsinki Lighthouse (59°56.9'N 024°55.8'E) and, 3.75nm farther N, branches to approach the W and E groups of harbours.

Approach and Entry: Lansisatama, the basin and berths in the SW part of Helsinki, are approached from Lauttasaarenselka, the W roadstead, which is situated between the mainland and Lauttasaari (60°09'N 024°53'E), an island joined to the mainland by bridges and a causeway.

The roadstead is entered from S by the channel, depth 11.0m and can also be reached from SE by the channel passing NE of Pihlajasaari, depth 8.9m.

Helsinki Lighthouse - Harmaja - West & South Harbours:

The main approach to Helsinki, this channel starts from E of the Helsinki Lighthouse and proceed towards to Harmaja Island. At Harmaja Island fairway continues towards Kustaanmiekka Strait between the islands of Suomenlinna and Vallisaari, to the open area of water beyond, known as Kruunuvuorenselka. To this point the channel is navigable by vessels drawing up to 9.5m. The fairway branching off to the South Harbour 7.9-9.1m depth, to the cruise quay 9.3m depth and to the Laajasalo Oil Terminal of 9.5m depth.

The pilot boarding position is 2nm S from Harmaja Island. Distance from Helsinki Lighthouse to the harbours in 13nm.

Helsinki Lighthouse - West Harbour (deep water fairway):

The 10.8m channel leads from the Helsinki Lighthouse to the E of the Graskarsbadan Light and then between the islands of Pihlajasaari and Melkki to the West Harbour. Pilot boarding position is 4nm N from Helsinki Lighthouse. Distance from Helsinki Lighthouse to the West Harbour is 12nm.

Helsinki Lighthouse - Vuosaari Harbour:

The 11.0m fairway to the Vuosaari Harbour begins at 3.3nm E from the Helsinki Lighthouse and continues towards Vuosaari Harbour by passing islands, Ita-Toukki, Eestinluoto, Kuiva hevonen, Pikku niinisaari. Pilot boarding position is 2.7nm SSE from Eestinluoto Island, Distance from the Helsinki Lighthouse to the Vuosaari Harbour is 18nm.

Porkkala - Helsinki:

The winter fairway into Helsinki begins from roughly 8km W of the Porkkala Lighthouse. The channel is 9.0m deep from Sommaro to Ronngrund. The fairway joins the 10.8m channel leading to the West Harbour SW of Katajaluoto, and joins the 9.6m channel leading to Helsinki N of Harmaja.

The fairway continues eastwards towards Vuosaari Harbour by passing Isosaari and Villinki Islands and then joins the 11.0m fairway at Kuiva Hevonen. The pilot boarding position is 4nm W from Porkkala Light. The distance from Porkkala to Suomenlinna is 25nm and from Suomenlinna to Vuosaari Harbour is 11m.

During the winter months, the passage from the Helsinki Lighthouse to Harmaja may be closed occasionally owing to ice conditions, then all vessel traffic into Helsinki is directed via the route above.

Directions for arrival in the port:

Vessels using the main approach to the port from Helsinki Lighthouse should keep the Harmaja Lighthouse Beacon in line with the church tower on the island of Suomenlinna. The light from Harmaja is visible at a distance of 20nm, and the approach channel has a bearing of 007°. The islet of Harmaja is left on the western side of the fairway. In the event that the vessel's Master is not very familiar with the fairway and its markings, he is strongly advised not to proceed without the assistance of a pilot any closer than 2nm to Harmaja, where the channel veers to a bearing of 010°.

Port limits

The inlet Vanhankaupunginselka, Pikku Huopalahti Bay, Toolonlahti Bay, Elaintarhanlahti Bay, Kaisaniemenlahti Bay, Siltavuorensalmi Strait and the expanse of water known as Seurasaarenselka are not part of the harbour water area.

A vessel is considered "arrived" when moored or anchored in the inner anchorage.

Traffic schemes and VTS

A Vessel Traffic Service System is in operation. The VTS covers the port of Helsinki and the Maritime District of the Gulf of Finland and is comprised of the following two sectors:

Helsinki VTS Sector 1: The approaches to the Port of Helsinki in the area between Kyto Light House, Helsinki caisson and in the E, the area between Kaunissaari and Kalkkiranta. The sector also includes the administrative area of the Port of Helsink.

Anchorages

A designated outer anchorage area, with depths of 22.0-45m, is centered about 1.4 miles NNW of Helsinki Light (59°57.0'N 024°56.0'E).

Anchorage can be taken, in a depth of 22.0m, mud and stones, off the W side of Susisaari, about 0.6 mile SW of Harmaja Rear Range Light (Suomenlinna Church). This is a good temporary anchorage but is open to onshore winds.

Kruunuvuorenselka, the E roadstead, affords the best anchorage, in depths of 12.0-16.5m, mud. This anchorage is well protected from all winds.

Anchoring is prohibited E of the line of Helsinki Lighthouse, Harmaja Island.

Restrictions

There is one way traffic in Kustaanniekka Strait.

Tugs

Tugs of 1,200-3,500hp are available at 2 hours notice from agent.

During the ice season up to 10 additional Government icebreakers are available to assist vessels to and from open sea.

Mooring

A vessel must be moored or anchored in the place indicated by the harbour authorities and may not be moved to another location without their consent. The main principle in allocating berths shall be that vessels are entitled to obtain berths in the same order as they arrive in the harbour area. However, this may be deviated from by resolution of the harbour authorities or by special agreement.

The Master of the vessel must know the water depth at each berth.

When mooring a vessel alongside a quay, due caution must be observed to prevent damage to the quay or to cranes on it. If necessary the assistance of a tug may be required.

The assistance of the port's personnel must be used when mooring or unmooring a vessel, unless otherwise agreed with the harbour authorities. Personnel needed for the unmooring of a vessel must be ordered at least two hours before departure, unless otherwise agreed with the harbour authorities.

At those quays or sections of quays whose foundations are not capable of withstanding the currents caused by a vessel's screw, the harbour authorities may prohibit the use of screws and require the use of a tug. The use of an anchor alongside a quay must be avoided. While alongside the quay, the vessel must use adequate fenders.

Gangways and ship's ladders must be fitted with handrails and protective nets and must be kept lit during the hours of darkness. Gangways and ship's ladders shall be secured so as not to cause a nuisance or damage. Equipment projecting beyond the sides of a vessel must be so placed that they do not obstruct activities on the quay nor on the seaward side of the vessel.

Should a vessel while alongside the quay, carry out operations which may cause harm or damage, the permission of the harbour authorities should be sought.

A vessel must be moved to another berth if so ordered by the harbour authorities. A vessel, which is not laid up, should have an adequate crew onboard to permit its being moved, should the need to do so arise. An exception to this requirement may be granted by the harbour authorities.

To provide for towing in an emergency, a tanker transporting a dangerous substance, and if the Harbour Master so orders any other vessel, must put out two lines after it has made fast, one from the stern and one from the bow; these lines must hang from the seaward side of the vessel in such a way that their eyes are close to the surface of the water.

A vessel may be laid up and moored in the harbour only with the harbour authorities permission and on conditions set by them. The owner or occupant of the vessel must ensure that its mooring equipment is always in good condition.

A vessel used as an accommodation facility, restaurant or for some other comparable purpose may be located at a quay only with the Managing Director's permission.

The owner or occupant of a vessel which has been located without authorisation, must remove it when ordered to do so by the harbour authorities.

Charts and publications

BA 2218, 2219, 3818. Finnish 18, 191. Admiralty Pilot NP20, NP286(2).

Communications

Contact Information:

1. VHF: VHF Ch 12 and 16

2. Telephone: 358-9-310-1621

3. Facsimile: 358-9-310-33802

4. E-mail: [email protected]

The harbourmaster can be contacted, as follows:

1. Telephone: 358-9-310-33676

The Docking Master can be contacted, as follows:

1. Telephone: 358-9-310-33600

2. Facsimile: 358-9-310-33619

Vuosaari Harbour can be contacted as follows:

1. VHF: VHF ch 12

2. Telephone: 358-4-012-93745 (24 hours); 358-4-065-73350

3. E-mail: [email protected]

Helsinki VTS can be contacted, as follows:

1. VHF in Sector 1: VHF ch 71

2. VHF in Sector 2: VHF ch 9

3. Telephone: 358-20-448-5391

4. Facsimile: 358-20-448-539180

5. E-mail: [email protected]

Notice of readiness

No special requirements.

Documents

When discharging and/or loading is completed, the Master or agent must provide the harbour authorities with a list of the goods discharged and loaded and their recipients or dispatchers as well as of the numbers of passengers disembarked and embarked. The Master must provide the harbour authorities with all the supplementary data which they require in order to determine the charges levied by the Port Authority.

Subject to the consent of the harbour authorities, the notifications indicated can be combined into a single notification should the vessel remain in the harbour for a brief time only.

Health

If a vessel is arriving from a locality infected with a contagious disease which represents a threat to public health or if, in the course of the voyage, sickness has broken out onboard due to disease which is believed to be contagious or if unknown, this fact must be reported to the harbour authorities in good time and their instructions awaited before the vessel enters the harbour area.

If a vessel is transporting animals and these have died or become seriously ill during the voyage, this fact must be notified to the harbour authorities. The discharging of animals must not be commenced before the City Veterinarian or another official competent in relation to animal diseases has issued instructions as to how this is to be carried out.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificates and Exemption Certificates issued.

Customs and immigration

Customs allowances: For a crew member's own use there is an allowance of 1 carton of cigarettes and 1-2 bottles of spirits. Penalty for exceeding the allowance depends on the quantity by which the allowance was exceeded.

Immigration: If a vessel is carrying passengers, the ship's agent is to be advised in advance for an Immigration check. There are no restrictions for crew.

Flags

No special requirements.

Notices and regulations

Dangerous goods: In the handling of dangerous and inflammable goods and chemicals, the port of Helsinki observes the norms and orders pertaining to the IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) Code, the ADR (European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road), and RID (International Regulations Concerning the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail). The supervision of these regulations is carried out by the Port Traffic Safety Unit, Tel: +358 310 33513, Fax: +358 310 33612.

Reporting on dangerous goods: Substances classified as dangerous must be reported to the Port Authority (Port of Helsinki) 24 hours before the quantity of goods is brought into the harbour area, unless otherwise agreed. Dangerous substances are substances listed in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and the International Order for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID).

If a vessel carries highly dangerous substances or large quantities of dangerous substances, care must be taken to ensure that the goods may be taken into the harbour area (preliminary enquiry).

Notifications must be made in accordance with the standard required by the harbour authorities, ie via electronic mail (EDI message) or in some other separately agreed manner.

Effective from 01st September 2016, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) will require sea carriers calling at EU ports to file Container Status Messages (CSMs). Vessels experiencing technical communication problems should report the issue via e-mail to the Commission's help-service email: [email protected].

Port State Control here: Paris MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Finnish Maritime Administration, Maritime Safety Department.

Position: Senior Maritime Inspector.

Address: PO Box 171, Porkkalankatu 5, FIN-00181 Helsinki, Finland.

Tel: +358 2 0448 4437.

Fax: +358 2 0448 4500.

Mob: +358 4 0515 5408.

Website: http://www.fma.fi

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Drinking water for vessels can be ordered from the port's duty personnel.

Bunkering: The oil companies operating in the port can supply all fuels required by vessels.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Available.

Crew change

No restrictions.

Transport

Nearest airport: Helsinki-Vantaa, approx 24km from centre of town.

Airport facilities: International and national connections available. Limited air freight facilities.

Nearest railway: Helsinki.

Working hours

Normally, first shift 0645-1530hrs. Second shift 1530-2242hrs. Overtime available.

Where it is

Helsinki is situated on the S coast of Finland at the mouth of the River Vantaa, in the Gulf of Finland.

The port

Helsinki is Finland's largest general cargo import port, the second largest export port and the leading container and passenger port. Extensive cargo handling facilities are provided, with substantial shifts in harbour usage over the last few years. The following 4 harbours are the original port areas, West, South, Laajasalo Oil Harbour (closed end 2010) and Vuosaari, approx 16km NE of the city. The former North Harbour has been gradually discontinued for commercial traffic, all services have moved to the new Vuosaari Harbour. West Harbour specialises in container transport and Vuosaari Harbour in container and Ro-Ro transport. Passenger services are mostly concentrated in the South Harbour and partly in the West Harbour. These harbours cover a total area of 164ha and provide over 11,046m of quays.

In winter the port is kept clear of ice by large ice breaking vessels.

Under the jurisdiction of Helsinki port is Porkkala (Kantvik Harbour), see separate entry. This is a dry bulk port, including coal for local power station.

Traffic

Approx 13,360,000t of cargo, 486,000TEU, 7,400 vessels and 9,450,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Helsinki?

The pilot boards at Helsinki N, 60°04.0′N 024°58.2′E. Helsinki has 3 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Helsinki in?

Local time at Helsinki is UTC+2. Clocks go to UTC+3 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+2 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Helsinki?

The deepest berth listed is at Vuosaari Harbour: 11.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Helsinki?

1000-1006.

Which load line zone is Helsinki in?

Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for ships of 100m or less in length, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer April 1 to Oct 31.

Who carries out Port State Control at Helsinki?

Port State Control at Helsinki: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Helsinki?

The UN/LOCODE of Helsinki is FIHEL.

What crews who called at Helsinki say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

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