For easier travel

Topias Pihlava stepped into his new position on 19 January 2026. Although the opening of the joint terminal is still about one year away, the new Terminal Manager is already very busy.

What exactly does a terminal manager do?

I am responsible for the strategic and operational management of the joint terminal. I do my part to ensure that everything functions smoothly at the terminal, traffic flows and every customer’s travel experience is pleasant. For many, the joint terminal provides their first glimpse of Turku – and it is also the gateway to a unique sea voyage.

I collaborate with a wide range of professionals and stakeholders. There is an enormous amount of details to manage, many of which will be modified along the way as required by changing situations and needs. I look forward to the new challenges.

What all have you done before becoming the Terminal Manager?

For the past nine years, I worked as Development Manager for Föli. Before that, I worked with rail traffic for HSL and on the robot bus project in Vantaa. I studied for a Master’s degree in automotive and transportation engineering at the University of Antwerp.

In this new position, I will be making the jump from land to sea. I did, however, gain some experience with the water element earlier through my participation in the launch of Föli’s water bus traffic between the city centre and Ruissalo.

What were your most interesting tasks at Föli?

One of the most interesting tasks was the introduction of water buses. The service quickly became very popular and has contributed to the city’s maritime image.

Turku was also among the first European cities to bring contactless payments to buses, thereby further facilitating travel.

Additionally, we were pioneers in the electrification of bus traffic, with the first electric line between the port and the airport.

What things that you learned in your previous work will you bring to your new job?

It is important to look at things specifically from the passenger’s point of view and to think about how we might make their life easier and improve their travel experience.

As a Development Manager, I was also involved in carrying out a variety of short, agile trials and utilising them to find optimal solutions.

By the time the joint terminal is up and running, its operating models will, of course, have been carefully considered. There is, however, also room in this job for further development and the pursuit of completely new solutions.

If you could ask one question from Erik Söderholm, Managing Director of the Port of Turku, what would it be?

What was your best or most memorable travel experience on Baltic Sea ships and why? Söderholm responded: “Travelling to the Finland–Sweden athletics competition in Stockholm. The entire ship was filled with like-minded people.”

Do you have any secret talents or abilities?

I always read the instructions before I use a device – or at least shortly after.
For example, I managed to replace the light in a broken hood without damaging the plastic case, because I searched for the right way to remove the case from the instructions before starting the process.

When you are confronted with something new, you should first acquire the necessary knowledge and properly familiarise yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Be yourself, trust yourself and what you do. Even athletes are often advised to maintain a certain level of calmness and try to enjoy what they are doing. If you are gripping the stick too tightly, you won’t score any goals.

Text: Matti Välimäki
Photos: Ilari Välimäki