Towards a nature-positive and carbon-neutral port
The Port of Turku intends to advance biodiversity in stages, in accordance with the biodiversity roadmap prepared by the Finnish Ports Association. According to Technical Director Markku Alahäme, the development work will begin from the ground up.
“The plan is to initiate the development work at the same pace as proposed in the roadmap. In other words, we will first learn more about the issue and increase our knowledge and awareness of the baseline situation. After that, we will carry out our own possible measures.”
The aim is to include the advancement of biodiversity in the Port of Turku’s updated environmental programme for the years 2026–2030. Alahäme also sees opportunities for co-operation with the City of Turku.
“This will be part of the Port’s new environmental programme. One possibility is to collaborate on this front with the City of Turku’s organisation, which also has similar goals in terms of biodiversity.”
Alahäme does not view the reconciliation of practical action and environmental objectives as an obstacle but rather as an opportunity.
“The plan can likely be adapted to meet with the operational requirements of the port.”
As examples, he points out compensating for dredging activities elsewhere or preventing the flow of clay particles carried by the River Aura to the port area and fairways.
“This has been discussed with the City of Turku. With regard to air emissions, we are aiming for carbon neutrality, which will also positively affect biodiversity. There are different means to accomplish this.”
The Port of Turku’s environmental programme sets the direction for 2026–2030
The long-term goal of the Port of Turku is to achieve a healthy marine environment and a carbon-neutral port by 2029. The aim is to reduce the impacts of port operations on the waterways and reduce the carbon footprint so that the port’s own emissions (Scope 1 and 2) are zero by 2029.
The actual practical measures are still being considered, but the direction is clear. Efforts to promote biodiversity will include the treatment of dredging masses and the setting of nature-related objectives. The carbon neutrality targets focus on the use of renewable energy, zero-emission machinery and the provision of shore power to ships.
READ MORE:
Biodiversity road and sea map for ports 19.9.2025
Text: Heli Kaijansalo
Photo: JFIX MEDIA PRODUCTIONS – Janne Stenroos
Roadmap milestones for 2026–2029
The roadmap outlines a clear timetable and programme of measures for member ports:
- 2026: Strengthening of expertise within the port sector and among member companies.
- 2027: Assessment of a port’s baseline and assessment of its impacts on nature.
- 2028: Development of a biodiversity strategy and definition of individual objectives.
- 2029: Implementation of nature-positive measures.
The Finnish Ports Association will monitor the progress through surveys and publish a report in 2030. The roadmap may be updated as needed already before this.
