Turku still holds a strong position in passenger traffic
The Port of Turku is the leading port for traffic between Finland and Scandinavia and the second largest passenger harbour in the country. As regards passenger traffic between Sweden and Finland, the main appeal factors of the Port of Turku include its beautiful archipelago scenery, which is unique even by international standards, and the high-quality services provided by modern, environmentally friendly ships.
Swedish traffic fell below its average level
Two major Baltic Sea shipping companies operate regularly to Stockholm, Sweden from the Port of Turku. Viking Line operates between Turku and Stockholm using two ships, which enables two departures each day, morning and evening. In addition to the round-trip Stockholm cruises, Viking Line offers shorter picnic cruises from Turku to Mariehamn in the Åland Islands. Tallink Silja operates along this same route using one ship that offers overnight entertainment cruises as well as cruises that give passengers the opportunity to spend an entire day in Stockholm before returning to Turku.
In 2024, the number of passengers travelling to and from Sweden via the Port of Turku decreased compared to the long-term averages. During the year, more than 2.2 million passengers passed through the port, which is about 10% less than the previous year. The main reason for the decline in passenger numbers was consumers’ declining trust in their own financial situation, a factor that was reflected in all private consumption. To some extent, the reduction in passenger numbers was also affected by the change in competition as a result of interest in the new ships owned by a shipping company operating between the Port of Naantali and Sweden.
On the other hand, passenger traffic in the Port of Turku was boosted by the growing popularity of picnic cruises and Tallink Silja’s Day in Stockholm cruises, the latter of which were sold out during the autumn holiday season.
The year 2025 has begun with an upturn in passenger volume. This trend is also expected to continue when Tallink Silja’s Baltic Princess returns better than ever from the shipyard in mid-March. The extensive renovations to the ship focused on the passenger facilities, and several of the stores and restaurants were given a complete upgrade. The growth in passenger numbers is also anticipated as a result of increasing conference travel, for which both Viking Line picnic cruises and Tallink Silja’s Day in Stockholm cruises offer the ideal venue and services. The achievement of the key goals for 2025 will be affected, however, by the general economic situation, the improvement of which is expected to boost consumption, also as regards tourism.
Positive signs of an increase in cruise traffic
In addition to traffic from Sweden, passengers are brought to Turku by cruise line companies operating in the Baltic Sea region. In 2024, seven cruise ships made stops at the Port of Turku, while in the previous year, only three ships visited the port. Of the cruise ships that stopped in the port during the summer cruise season, three were visiting Turku for the first time. Among these was Borealis, operated by the Fred Olsen shipping company, which is the largest cruise ship ever to visit the Port of Turku. Also making its first visit was Crystal Symphony, owned by Crystal Cruises, a ship that was built in Turku Shipyard in 1995. In total, the cruise ships brought approximately 5,700 passengers to Turku.
The uncertain security situation in the world and Baltic Sea region is still reflected in the cruise traffic, but it seems that the lowest point is likely already behind us. From the Port of Turku’s perspective, positive expectations are strengthened by the promising Cruise Finland collaboration, which involves the joint efforts of eight ports to market Finland’s most interesting cruise destinations at, for example, international events. Co-operation is also being carried out with Visit Turku Archipelago for the purpose of providing excursions, activities and experiences to cruise guests.
Six ships have already confirmed that they will be stopping off in Turku during 2025, but Turku has the opportunity to reach much higher figures in the future. Environmental issues are ever more important for all operators in the sector, from shipping companies to tourists, and in this area, the Port of Turku stands at the very forefront. As a result of climate change, cruise operators are seeking out cooler waters, which is likely to increase the popularity of the Baltic Sea in comparison to southern sea areas. As the trend in the sector is moving towards longer stays in port, Turku’s diverse sights and services are a strong attraction factor that will motivate visitors to spend more time in and around the city.
Text: Kari Ahonen
Photo: Jarmo Piironen
