Ports & destinations

Port of Helsinki to renovate and expand the historic Katajanokka ferry terminal

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 09 September 2025 09 September 2025

Helsinki’s iconic harbour building, Katajanokka Terminal, which was completed in 1937, is to be renovated. The protected building, designed by Gunnar Taucher, will be renovated and expanded with an extension that will respect the original architecture and the surrounding cityscape while providing services for both passengers and locals.

The Port of Helsinki has signed a planning agreement that will take the renovation to the concrete phase. The planning will be carried out by Helin & Co Architects, with the participation of engineering and architecture consultancy Sweco. The work will begin in autumn 2025.

Two ferry companies to share same terminal

Port traffic in Helsinki will be undergoing some major changes in the coming years. The city centre harbours serve both passengers and freight, and the arrangements for the coming years will change both passenger routes and the flow of freight:

– Tallinn traffic will be moved to the West Harbour
– Stockholm traffic will be centralised to the renovated Katajanokka Terminal
– The South Harbour will be freed up for the use of international cruise ships and for the needs of the city’s residents, including the new Museum for Architecture and Design.

In the future, Katajanokka Terminal will serve two shipping companies whose ships sail to Stockholm: Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line. The first step in the planning process is to identify space needs and ensure that the planned solutions support both the operations of the shipping companies and the smooth movement of passengers.

“In the future, Katajanokka Terminal will not only be a gateway to Stockholm, but also a shared place for the city’s residents. The aim is to create an environment that serves passengers while providing facilities and services for the everyday lives of Helsinki residents,” says Kaj Takolander, VP Passenger Services at the Port of Helsinki.

Cooperation to start immediately

The renovation project will be carried out in close cooperation with the City of Helsinki, including various land use planning actors and the City Museum, to ensure that the historic building is preserved and the extension is carried out in a way that respects the environment.

Timetable

– Autumn 2025: planning starts
– Spring 2026: initial data for the land use planning process ready
– Construction work in 2028–2032
– The aim is to have the new terminal operational by 2032.

French Atlantic Ports to showcase their destinations at Seatrade Europe next week

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 03 September 2025 03 September 2025

The French Atlantic Ports (FAP) invite the international cruise community to discover the best of France’s Atlantic and Channel shores at Seatrade Europe 2025, Cruise Europe Pavilion #334. Since 1992, the French Atlantic Ports have united nine complementary destinations: Le Havre, Rouen, Honfleur, Caen-Ouistreham, Cherbourg, Saint-Malo, Brest, Nantes Saint-Nazaire, and Bordeaux. Together, they welcome over, 450 cruise calls annually, connecting more than 915,000 passengers to world-class port operations and unforgettable French experiences.

Each port offers a gateway into France’s rich heritage. Cruise passengers can stroll through UNESCO-listed sites, explore centuries of architectural and maritime history, savour renowned gastronomy, ciders, and wines, and immerse themselves in vibrant cultural scenes. From historic city centres to scenic coastal landscapes, every destination contributes to a diverse, complementary, and authentic experience, ensuring each stop leaves a lasting impression.

The French Atlantic Ports are leading the transition to greener cruise operations. Investments include modern passenger terminals, optimized logistics, and expanded shore power infrastructure, supporting the EU Fit for 55 climate objectives and preserving the stunning coastlines that make France’s Atlantic and Channel regions so appealing.

From transit calls to full turnarounds, the FAP cluster offers cruise lines unmatched operational flexibility. Their complementary network ensures that every itinerary can be tailored for efficiency, passenger satisfaction, and the timeless charm of French culture and lifestyle.

Four cruise locations jointly present “Destination Germany”

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 28 August 2025 28 August 2025

The international cruise industry will meet again this year from September 10 to 12 at Seatrade Europe – Cruise & River Cruise Convention in Hamburg. Numerous companies and destinations will be presenting themselves at the European trade fair for the cruise industry, cultivating contacts and developing new partnerships. Over 250 exhibitors and more than 3,500 visitors from over 90 countries are expected in Hall A4 of the Hamburg exhibition center. The accompanying three-day conference will highlight technological and infrastructural future trends in the industry under the motto “Future Forward.” A new addition this year is the “Destination Discovery Friday,” on September 12, when up to 500 end customers will have the opportunity to visit the trade fair for the first time.

Four northern German cruise ports are represented at the joint “Destination Germany” stand. The main exhibitors at stand 330 are the port companies Cruise Gate Hamburg GmbH, Rostock Port GmbH, Seehafen Kiel GmbH & Co. KG, the Cuxhaven Tourism Association, and Hamburg Cruise Net e.V. Also at the stand are ten companies and organizations closely associated with the industry: Bakels Group, E. Breuninger GmbH & Co., E-L-S GmbH, JONGEN GmbH & Co. KG, PowerCon A/S, PWL Port Services GmbH & Co. KG, Sartori & Berger GmbH & Co. KG, vip hanse touring GmbH, visitBerlin Partnerhotels e.V., and Westfield Hamburg- Überseequartier. The exhibition stand reflects the diverse and innovative cruise destination that is Germany and offers participating exhibitors the opportunity to present themselves exclusively to international cruise lines and partners on 72 square meters of space.

Global Ports Holding welcomes Steve Finnigan new General Manager of Prince Rupert Cruise Port

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 31 August 2025 31 August 2025

Global Ports Holding (GPH) has announced the appointment of Steve Finnigan as the incoming General Manager of Prince Rupert Cruise Port (PRCP), effective September 1, 2025.

Steve is a proud multigenerational resident of Prince Rupert and brings extensive expertise in maritime shipping, vessel operations, commercial strategy, and account management. His career achievements include proven success in revenue growth, business development, and cost management. He has collaborated closely with local community stakeholders and national agencies such as Transport Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Chamber of Shipping, and the Prince Rupert Port Authority.

Formerly President of G.W. Nickerson in Prince Rupert, Steve began his career as a Vessel Operations Agent before advancing to Operations Manager and then President. He also holds the role of Superintendent at Pacific Stevedoring and Contractors Ltd.

Born and raised in Prince Rupert, Steve holds degrees from the University of Northern British Columbia (Prince George) and Capilano University (North Vancouver). He is married and the father of two children.

“We are delighted to welcome Steve to the GPH family,” said Mike Maura, Jr., Regional Director, Americas, at Global Ports Holding. “His deep roots in the community, combined with his maritime expertise and leadership experience, will be invaluable as we continue to build on the success and potential of Prince Rupert Cruise Port.”

At the same time, GPH bids a farewell to Kevin D’Costa, who will be departing his role as General Manager of Prince Rupert Cruise Port following the close of the 2025 cruise season.

Kevin joined GPH in June 2022 and immediately set to work elevating Prince Rupert as a must-visit cruise destination. Over the past three years, his leadership has been instrumental in driving the port’s growth and enhancing the visitor experience. His contributions include establishing new shore excursions, overseeing port tariff development and management, implementing key operational policies, advancing business development, optimizing port operations, and fostering strong relationships with cruise lines calling on Prince Rupert.

Maura, Jr., reflected on Kevin’s extensive contributions to the GPH team, stating, “Anyone fortunate enough to work alongside Kevin knows his deep passion for the destination and the people who call it home. His unwavering commitment, vision, and pursuit of excellence have left a lasting mark on the port, the community, and the GPH family. As Kevin embarks on an exciting new chapter, we extend our sincere gratitude for his service and wish him every success in his future endeavours.”

San Juan Cruise Port welcomes return of Oasis-class ship following $10 million Pier 3 upgrade

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 19 August 2025 19 August 2025

San Juan Cruise Port (SJCP) recently celebrated a landmark moment with the return of Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, marking the first Oasis-class ship to dock in the capital since completion of a $10 million upgrade to Pier 3.

The investment – funded and led by SJCP – restores San Juan’s ability to host the world’s largest cruise vessels and positions the port to welcome Icon-class ships for the first time. These enhancements are expected to accelerate Puerto Rico’s cruise industry growth, delivering substantial economic benefits to Old San Juan and strengthening the island’s tourism sector.

A strategic global investment

As part of the Global Ports Holding network – the world’s largest cruise port operator – SJCP leveraged unmatched technical expertise and operational experience to deliver this critical infrastructure project. The upgrades are a core component of its long-term commitment to modernize San Juan’s cruise facilities, increase passenger volumes, and future-proof the port for decades to come.

The project included:
– Structural assessments to confirm load-bearing capacity for mega ships
– Dredging operations to achieve the required depth and draft
– Upgraded bollards for increased mooring demands
– Repaired and replaced mooring dolphins to enhance docking stability
– A newly constructed platform specifically engineered for berthing Icon-class vessels

All works were completed in close coordination with federal and local authorities, ensuring full compliance with
regulatory and safety standards.

Economic impact in motion

The visit from the Wonder of the Seas brought more than 6,500 passengers and crew, generating an estimated $700,000 in local economic activity in a single day. From August to December 2025, SJCP expects approximately 15 calls from mega cruise ships, creating valuable opportunities for local merchants, tour operators, restaurants, and transportation providers.

“The arrival of Wonder of the Seas is a powerful demonstration of our commitment to strengthening San Juan’s position as a premier cruise destination,” said Clarivette Díaz, General Manager of SJCP. “With the Pier 3 upgrades – part of a $52 million infrastructure program underway this year – we’ve enhanced capacity, efficiency, and readiness to welcome the next generation of cruise ships, bringing even greater benefits to OldSan Juan and the wider Puerto Rican tourism industry.”