Port of Helsinki: New Study: Maritime Travelers Bring Nearly One Billion Euros to the Helsinki Region’s Economy
A new study by the University of Helsinki shows that the Port of Helsinki is a major driver of both the economy and employment. The total annual economic impact of port operations amounts to €4.2 billion, generating over 39,000 jobs.
The Port of Helsinki serves as a key hub for both Finland’s international trade and passenger traffic. In 2024, 14 million tons of goods passed through the port – around 16 percent of Finland’s total foreign trade. Passenger volumes reached 9.5 million, accounting for 70 percent of all international passenger traffic through Finnish ports.
“The Port of Helsinki is not only a vital logistics hub serving the entire country and is also a significant contributor to the economy and job creation. Its influence can be seen widely across business performance and the city’s tax revenues,” says Ville Haapasaari, CEO of the Port of Helsinki.
Tallinn Route Powers Most of Helsinki’s Tourism Income
Passengers arriving in Helsinki via the port generate a substantial economic boost to the local economy. In 2024, their total spending was estimated at nearly €960 million, with over €740 million coming from travelers on the Tallinn route.
“While many people associate tourism with air travel, a significant portion of Finland’s visitors come by sea. The Helsinki–Tallinn connection is unique as it links the two capitals directly from their city centers. This makes us Europe’s busiest passenger port, contributing to job creation, economic vitality, and increased income for the Helsinki region,” Haapasaari adds.
Strong Progress on Environmental and Climate Goals
In addition to assessing economic effects, the study also evaluated environmental impacts. The Port of Helsinki has reduced its own CO₂ emissions by 68 percent since 2015. According to the findings, the port has made steady progress toward its climate and environmental goals while strengthening cooperation with local communities.
“We aim to ensure that growth and sustainability go hand in hand. We’ve significantly reduced our emissions. In the future, we will focus on enabling even lower-emission maritime transport,” Haapasaari notes.
The impact study was conducted by the Department of Economics and Management at the University of Helsinki, commissioned by Port of Helsinki Ltd. The port’s economic impact was analyzed using Statistics Finland’s two-digit industry classification, and employment effects were calculated based on Statistics Finland’s employment coefficients.