Joint terminal takes a digital leap

Weasel Software is supplying the passenger and traffic management system for the joint terminal of the port of Turku as well as the related equipment, such as gates, measuring devices and digital information boards.

Weasel Software’s Mike Karjagin, Sales Director, Ports, and Hanna Roihuvaara, Head of Communications and Marketing, describe how the operating platform will facilitate the unloading and loading of two ships from different shipping companies in the same area during their roughly hour-long port visits.

“The system collects and analyses data, providing a real-time situational picture that helps in decision-making. The relevant information is available in an easy-to-understand visual format. The system increases automation and reduces manual labour. It improves the speed and efficiency of operations”, Karjagin explains.

Weasel Software is a software company from Turku with around 50 employees. Its primary customers are public administration organisations and companies. The company has previously supplied ports with gate control systems for passenger terminals.

“Our systems are already processing around 20 million ship passengers annually”, Karjagin mentions.

Removing unnecessary stress from travel

The joint terminal’s passenger and traffic management system will also improve the travel experience of ship passengers.

Roihuvaara illustrates this with a family that is traveling to Sweden by car for the summer holidays:

“When the car enters the joint terminal area, it is identified by its license plate, and the vehicle is weighed and measured automatically. Sensor technology ensures that the number of passengers matches the ticket, then they move on to the check-in and passport control. Information boards will guide the car forward at all times.”

Automation removes unnecessary stress from boarding the ship:

“Nobody needs to wonder if they are in the right area and lane.”

Improved security

The modern system will also improve security:

“Port personnel will have an accurate overall image of the people are in the area and the different sections of the area. When necessary, zones and lanes can be closed and different access rights granted to different user groups”, Karjagin mentions. He adds that the data collection complies with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation.

Karjagin has plenty of work experience from ports, having worked as an operations manager for a shipping company, among others.

“In the 90s we were still freezing outside in the winter, raising and lowering booms manually and scribbling notes on paper. Digitalisation is improving operational efficiency everywhere.”

Comprehensive intelligence

The people at Weasel feel that Turku is making smart port history – this is a unique project in the Baltic Sea region.

“Usually, digital solutions are being integrated into a finished environment. Now the smart system is being created in time with the joint terminal and based strictly on its needs”, Karjagin explains.

The system will be adopted at the beginning of next year when Tallink Silja will start using the joint terminal. Viking Line will transfer its operations into the joint terminal in 2028.

Weasel Software will then continue to be responsible for system maintenance and support services.

Text: Matti Välimäki
Images: Markku Koivumäki