The passenger harbour renovation is making great strides
Port of Turku’s Ferry Terminal Turku project will transform the passenger harbour into a maritime hub that fulfils the requirements of modern, fast-paced, efficient and safe vessel traffic.
In addition to the new joint passenger terminal, the project includes significant changes to pier structures, field areas and traffic arrangements both in the port area and as part of the city’s street network. The railway leading to the passenger harbour will also be moved to a new route. In addition to passenger traffic, Ferry Terminal Turku is an important link for cargo traffic between Finland and Scandinavia that is vital for business. The goal is for the project to be completed during 2027.
Construction of terminal was initiated in January
A decisive step for the project start-up took place in October 2024, when the City of Turku issued the building permit for the new passenger terminal and boarding bridges. Following the final phase of the competitive bidding, which began in the spring, Skanska was chosen as the builder and initiated the construction work in January 2025.
The main façade materials of the passenger terminal, based on the winning plan of the international architectural competition, ORIGAMI, are glass and aluminium.
Across its three-storeys, the building covers over 10,000 square metres, and its complex façades are very demanding. The project aims for three stars in the environmental classification of Rakennustieto, which indicates a good level of environmental quality.
The renovation of quays and field areas continues
The work to build the new Pier S1 was initiated already at the end of 2024. The contract for the construction work was signed with Terramare, who completed the first test piles in the area at the end of October. The actual construction work began in November 2024 and the piling work on land began in December 2024. The marine piling work got underway in February 2025 and will continue until summer 2025.
Pier S1 is scheduled to be ready for use by June 2026.
The planning work for the harbour field area is underway with the aim of initiating an invitation to tender for the field area in spring 2025. During the first phase, the construction will focus on the west side of the field area so that it will be ready when the new Pier S1 is taken into use. The eastern, northern and southern parts of the field area will be constructed at later phases. Their construction work as well as the repair work to Quay S2 will be tentatively realised in 2026–2027.
A significant part of the urban landscape of maritime Turku
The construction of the new passenger terminal will accelerate urban development in Turku and help to promote, for example, the Linnanniemi area. The aim is to create a seaside, lively and functional area around Turku Castle for the benefit and joy of tourists and residents alike.
The Linnanniemi area has been chosen to be developed into Turku’s first art district.
The artwork will be realised both as permanent elements and temporary structures in different areas around Linnanniemi. The art will be located primarily along the transport routes as well as at central meeting points in the area.
As part of this effort, the Port of Turku launched a portfolio search to find an artist to create a work of art to adorn the new joint terminal. The portfolio search sought out a professional artist or working group that would create a permanent work of art for Otkantti Square, which is located next to the harbour. The square is one of the central hubs in the area, through which up to 3 million passengers will travel each year once the terminal is operational. The portfolio search was open to all professional artists and working groups working in Finland. Any groups that applied had to have at least one member who was working as a professional artist.
Text: Kari Ahonen
Photo:Valote
