Safety improvement is an increasing priority
The aim of the Port of Turku’s safety work is to protect people, vessels, property and the environment from accidents, damage and criminal activities. The safety work is guided by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and the Port of Turku’s own audited safety plan. In addition to traditional threats, the Port’s security programmes have also invested in the prevention of cyber threats. A key objective for cybersecurity is 24-hour protection of the Port’s critical systems.
The importance of safety work is emphasised by the unstable world situation and the resulting increased risks of various disruptions.
In practical operations, the latest technology is used to manage, among other things, control of the port area. The use of digital technology as part of our efforts to advance safety will continue to increase, for example, with the Ferry Terminal Turku project. The Port of Turku safety guide contains the most essential information needed to maintain safe activities for all port users. The introduction of the rules for the area will also be accelerated and facilitated by an online safety course aimed at those operating in the area.
The year 2025 brought new tasks and rules
The amendment to the Act on the Security of Certain Ships and Associated Port Facilities and on Monitoring Maritime Security, which entered into force in the summer of 2025, brought additional tasks to the Port of Turku concerning practices and obligations to conduct security clearances on persons working in the port. The aim of the change is to improve the protection of the port’s critical infrastructure and to improve the resilience of the port by preventing the exploitation of the port’s critical information for various illegal and harmful purposes or to disrupt or otherwise compromise the port’s operations.
During 2025, the security issues of the Ferry Terminal Turku project were also addressed. From the beginning, the construction site of the joint terminal, pier and quay required more efficient access and traffic control in the port area as site traffic increased. Alongside site supervision, measures were planned and implemented to ensure the safety of terminal operations and its users.
The safety of maritime transport was improved by introducing new areas where passing and overtaking are forbidden on the busiest fairways in the port of Turku. The aim of the new rules is to clarify traffic in the area and ensure smooth access to all vessels. The new restriction areas apply to all ships over 45 metres long.
Exercises improved co-operation efficiency
In order to ensure the overall safety of the port, the safety work requires the commitment not only of our own organisation but also all Port customers, other companies operating in the port area and the key stakeholders. Co-operation with different authorities and actors operating in the safety sector is active. Various joint exercises ensure that co-operation will be effective in the event of a crisis or disruption situation. In March 2025, the Port of Turku participated in the Malja 25 preparedness exercise organised by the Regional Committee of Western Finland of the Construction Pool for the National Emergency Supply Agency. In May, the Port conducted an internal data security exercise and in October, exercises for the external rescue plan were also carried out.
Text: Kari Ahonen
Photo: Janne Stenroos
