The Port of Helsinki has selected a consortium comprising Solwers company Finnmap Infra, A-Insinöörit, and WSP Finland as the designers for the port tunnel. This group will be responsible for the comprehensive design of the tunnel, which aims to improve traffic management at the West Harbour in Helsinki.
The consortium, which includes consulting firms Finnmap Infra (part of the Solwers Group), A-Insinöörit, and WSP Finland, will jointly handle the main design, rock engineering, geotechnical design, as well as structural, architectural, traffic, road, and street planning for the port tunnel.
The contract for the first phase of the tunnel design was signed on July 1st.
“The selection of designers emphasized strong experience in demanding underground projects, deep knowledge of the alliance model, and the ability to produce innovative and feasible solutions. The chosen team convincingly demonstrated their mastery of both technical design and the management required for collaboration. This brings us excellent expertise for the development phase planning and joint efforts,” says Pekka Hellström, Technical Director of the Port of Helsinki.
The port tunnel, extending from the West Harbour to Länsiväylä, is a significant project for Helsinki, aimed at improving the infrastructure and traffic management in the city center. The approximately two-kilometer-long twin tunnel will have separate tunnels for each direction. The port tunnel will move all heavy traffic from the West Harbour underground.
“Port traffic is busy, so traffic arrangements must work seamlessly even in the middle of the construction site. In the tunnel project, we can utilize our extensive expertise in designing underground spaces and project management. The consideration of the Lapinlahti park area and the rock environment requires particularly careful planning,” notes Matti Kalliomäki, Principal Designer from Finnmap Infra.
Best Technical Expertise through Collaboration
Finnmap Infra, A-Insinöörit, and WSP are among Finland’s most experienced tunnel design experts, with strong expertise in technically demanding, collaboration-focused alliance projects. Key personnel from the design group have been involved in designing the Tampere cost tunnel, Vuosaari traffic tunnels, and the West Metro.
“The port tunnel is not being built just for the sake of the tunnel, but it will free up above-ground Helsinki in prime locations for human use and enjoyment. From the perspective of rock and geotechnical design, the tunnel is unique, among other things, because the Jätkäsaari side entrance will be very close to the sea, and the rock roof is thin in places,” says Timo Saanio, Development Director at A-Insinöörit.
The goal is to identify the best experts for each technical area in close collaboration.
“Building a tunnel in the middle of a dense urban area is an incredibly interesting project for our experts who have designed rock tunnels and their concrete structures, as well as challenging excavations. We will also be able to use our experience in designing and managing large and demanding projects in good cooperation with our partners,” says Juha-Pekka Smolander, Sector Director at WSP Finland.
The development phase of the tunnel project will begin in December 2025, and the design is expected to continue for approximately seven years. The goal is to start construction in 2028, with the tunnel expected to be completed by 2032.
