Port Turku (Finland) started a multimillion development project that is co-funded by CEF (Connecting Europe Facility/a EU-European Union fund) and includes the renewal of the infrastructure, quays, car fields, and digitalization at the port.
An architectural competition is now being held that is receiving international attention. At the beginning of May 2022, a winner is to be announced who will be the designer of the new passenger terminal, scheduled to be launched in February 2026, according to Annika Schulman, assistant executive of Port of Turku.
In terms of the call numbers during the coming season, Schulman said:
“We have been strongly affected by the situation in Sankt-Petersburg and we are looking at a record summer at the moment regarding cruise calls in Turku.”
Presently there are 20+ calls confirmed with the possibility the number will continue to rise. However, some of the itinerary changes may not have been disseminated to the cruisers yet and further details are not present at the time.
The season starts on May 3 and continues through to late September 2022. However, Schulman said that the surrounding nature in wintertime could be appealing to extend the cruise season to all year round, particularly as the port is open year-round.
“Since we have our regular liner ships calling twice a day all year, the port is active and ready for cruise calls any time a year, also with short notice.”
Viking Line's Viking Glory cruiseferry, for example, commenced homeporting Turku year-round following her delivery in early April.