Finnsteve, the main stevedoring operator at Helsinki’s Vuosaari Harbour, has published updated closing times for export cargo ahead of the Midsummer holiday long weekend (19–22 June). For roll-on/roll-off vessels the cut-off for heavy mafi units and other loads exceeding ten tonnes is 15:00 on 16 June, while standard mafi cargo must be delivered by 10:00 on 17 June. Self-driven units such as trucks and trailers have until 15:00 on 18 June. The stricter timetable reflects Finland’s nationwide shutdown over Juhannus, when port labour agreements mandate reduced staffing and customs clearance operates on skeleton crews. Freight forwarders warn that missing the cut-off could delay shipments to Germany, Benelux and the UK by up to five days, given the backlog that typically follows the holiday. Companies exporting machinery, timber and high-tech components from southern Finland should review their logistics plans, especially if they rely on just-in-time deliveries. “We’ve advanced our shipping schedules for North Sea wind-farm parts by 48 hours to avoid demurrage,” said Juha Lehtinen, supply-chain director at Wärtsilä. Finnsteve has also adjusted gatehouse opening hours: customer service desks will close at 15:00 on Midsummer’s Eve and reopen at 10:00 on Saturday 20 June for empty-container returns only. Freight IT systems (Portnet and Fintraffi) will remain online, but drivers must book slots in advance to minimise queueing on Ring Road I.
Source: Finnsteve
