Port of Kaskinen is examining their development needs with Vattenfall
The Port of Kaskinen and Vattenfall have agreed to examine the development needs from the perspective of the Korsnäs offshore wind power project. Korsnäs offshore project is planned to be located near Vaasa, on the west coast of Finland.
“We will examine the development needs and share our experiences regarding the requirements of a project of this scale. When needed we are ready to bring together various stakeholders to co-develop the port operations,” says Klaus Nissen, Korsnäs Project Director at Vattenfall.
Klaus Nissen
The port as a hub of operations
“The port is a crucial part of the offshore wind construction chain. Therefore, we are taking an active role in driving the development forward,” he says.
“Key considerations include the smooth vessel traffic to and from the turbine installation sites. We also need loading capacity, space for unloading and reloading cargo, storage facilities, and installation areas at the port. Later, the port will also be needed for turbine maintenance.”
“In addition, the fuel transportation and storage alternatives need to be examined. The availability of electricians and metalworking capacity will also be considered. Naturally, accommodation and catering facilities are also required.”
Three to five years for development
According to Klaus Nissen, it typically takes three to five years to establish sufficient service and equipment levels at ports.
In the initial phase, Vattenfall is involved in identifying the port’s development needs. Subsequently, the port’s task is to find its own business plan and solutions and implement them through planning, decision-making, and financing phases.
Positive economic impact on the region
Klaus Nissen emphasizes the importance of the Finnish ports in the value chains of the Finnish offshore wind farms. This would ensure that the positive economic impacts of the offshore wind farm remain remain in the country.
“We are also discussing development needs with other ports. It would be beneficial if ports developed their operations together. Through co-development, they could best strengthen their competitiveness,” says Klaus Nissen from Vattenfall.
Towards permit phases in Korsnäs
The offshore wind project in Korsnäs continues in the planning phase, aiming to have the permitting process well underway by 2027. A team of about ten people from Vattenfall and Metsähallitus continues their work on the project.
“We have been pleasantly surprised by the local residents’ interest in the project’s progress. Also potential suppliers are closely following the development and are actively engaging with us,” says Klaus Nissen, Project Director at Vattenfall.
The port of Kaskinen in a nutshell
- Annual cargo traffic approximately 1.3 million tons
- The port has applied for an environmental permit for a 400,000-ton expansion
- 8-meter deep and 9 nautical mile channel
- Suitable ship sizes 1,000 – 45,000 dwt
- Turning area 270 m (internal), 350 m (external)
- Major customers include Metsä Board and Metsä Fibre