Tallinn Port prepares ground for major work

Around 830,000 cubic metres of sand will be dredged from an area on the northern coast of Hiiumaa to add the 10 hectares to the Paldiski South Harbour, where a new quay will be built to accommodate all the expected extra vessels and other traffic.

“Due to the favorable location of Paldiski South Harbour, the construction of the new quay will create preconditions for Tallinna Sadam to become an important partner in the construction and subsequent maintenance of offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea region,” says the port.

With the growing offshore wind industry, more and more ports are going to need rebuilding or renovating to be able to accommodate the installation vessels and so on, with their size and increased draft, that they have not had to accommodate before.

“The large rear area beyond the quay allows various preparations for the manufacture and storage of generators and wind turbine blades before being loaded on a ship,” the port says. “There is 40ha of free land around the new quay, where it is possible to establish industrial and production companies related to wind farms. This area is well connected to the new quay and back area by the road network within the port. In addition, the new quay can be used to service ro-ro vessels if required.”

Marine contractor Van Oord has already sent its famous trailing suction hopper dredger Vox Amalia to dredge and move the sand required for the quay.

Stakeholders are expecting the port facilities, which are scheduled for completion in the summer of 2025, to provide a boost for all Baltic states with offshore wind ambitions.

The estimated €55 million needed for the works has been partially met by the European Commission, which has made €20 million available through its military mobility project. The port will finance the rest with a loan to help.