The ‘Maritime Helsinki’ action plan combines the City’s maritime development objectives and tangible measures, as well as clarifies the related responsibilities. The aim is to make the maritime character of Helsinki a more natural part of the daily lives and urban culture of the city’s residents, as well as the city’s vitality – without compromising on environmental protection.
“The sea is an integral part of the identity of the residents of Helsinki. With the new ‘Maritime Helsinki’ action plan, we are further strengthening Helsinki’s maritime profile. This involves, among other things, improving access to the islands, introducing new maritime services, developing water transport and creating better conditions for independent boating. One of the concrete measures we are taking is launching a brand-new archipelago ferry service between the Market Square and the islands off the coast of Helsinki,” says Mayor Daniel Sazonov.
Water transport to be electrified and public transport style solutions to be employed to improve access to archipelago
The most visible changes from the perspective of residents are the development and electrification of water transport. Local water transport will be overhauled to make it more similar with public transport, and the electrification of the route network will begin with the busiest connections. Flagship projects include passenger traffic to Suomenlinna and connections to Pihlajasaari. Electric transport to Pihlajasaari is scheduled to begin in 2028.
“The objective is to operate the circular archipelago route linking the Market Square and the nearby islands using electric vessels. The idea is that the archipelago should be a recreational area accessible to all residents, and that it would be easy to reach even without a boat of your own. We want spending time in the archipelago to be enjoyable. The route will make Helsinki’s maritime character even more attractive and accessible, including for growing numbers of tourists,” says Team Manager Vili Tuomisto from the maritime team within the Urban Environment Division who has been involved in developing the action plan.
Eastern waterfront routes and beaches to be developed
Helsinki’s waterfront routes and beaches will be developed to provide even better places for exercise, relaxation and everyday experiences all year round. Particular focus will be placed on eastern Helsinki, taking into account the unique character, accessibility and sustainability of the areas, where development will be moving forward in stages.
In practice, this means more streamlined routes, more pleasant beaches and new services that make the local natural environment more accessible to both residents and visitors. At the same time, new opportunities for entrepreneurship will emerge. There will be growing demand for services such as cafés, rentals, guided tours and activity services along waterfront routes and in the archipelago.
Attractions in the archipelago will be developed in collaboration with operators to make the islands appealing destinations, which will increase visitor numbers and extend the duration of customer visits even outside the peak season.
Marine biodiversity is an important value for Helsinki, which is why routes and signs are used to ensure that delicate areas in terms of natural values are not harmed.
Bringing the sea closer to everyday life
Access to the sea will be made easier by developing boat docks, guest harbours and the conditions for recreational water activities, such as boating and canoeing. City rowing boats will also be reintroduced as part of the waterfront route network, offering Helsinki residents an accessible way to experience the sea. We also want to improve opportunities for maritime leisure activities in order to strengthen people’s connection to the sea and raise awareness about the sea.
The aim is for the sea to become an integral part of everyday life for the people of Helsinki: a place to exercise, relax and socialise, not just in the summer, but all year round.
Maritime nature to foster vitality and offer new opportunities for business
"The ‘Maritime Helsinki’ programme strengthens the conditions for new and developing services. The aim is to boost demand for maritime services, provide new business opportunities and attract investment to Helsinki. This also creates job opportunities and boosts the city’s vitality," says Tourism Director Nina Vesterinen.
For entrepreneurs, this translates into, among other things, clearer licensing procedures, more predictable operating models and longer contract periods, all of which facilitate investment and business development. At the same time, this creates new demand for equipment hire, guided tours and other low-cost services, which businesses can easily get involved in even with a modest investment.
Furthermore, efforts will be made to ensure that the marine environment remains sustainable and safe by safeguarding the operating model concerning archipelago maintenance, maintaining preparedness to mitigate environmental risks, and adapting to climate change.