In 2024 the annual volume of cargo and number of passengers increased

 In 2024, more than 13 million tons of cargo and 8 million passengers passed through the harbors of Port of Tallinn. The annual number of cargo volume increased by 4.4% and number of passengers 3.6%. The number of vessel calls increased by 1.4% to 7127 visits. The number of passengers between the Estonian mainland and the main islands increased by 2.1% and the number of vehicles by 3.6%. The number of charter days of the icebreaker Botnica decreased by 4.3%, the utility rate was 60%.

 

Tall Ships Races Regatta in the Old City Harbour

In the summer of 2024, the Port of Tallinn hosted the world’s largest sailing regatta of Tall Ships Races for teaching young people. The Old City Harbour was filled with majestic sailing ships, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience maritime traditions. The event attracted thousands of visitors to Tallinn and provided a significant boost to the city’s tourism economy.

Tallinn received the prestigious “Host Port of the Year 2024” award from Sail Training International, recognizing its excellent organization and funding for 150 young participants in 2023 and 2024.

The Ministry of Climate acknowledged the Tall Ships Races as the “Maritime Event of the Year” for bringing the international regatta to Estonia, organizing a grand maritime celebration, and fostering interest in maritime activities—a result of years of dedication.

The Estonian Blind Association awarded the event the “Achievement of the Year 2024” title for its accessibility for people with special needs, including the visually impaired. The event featured tailored solutions, such as guide services and tactile aids, ensuring inclusive participation.

 

Opening of the Old City Harbour Tram Line

In collaboration with the City of Tallinn, the Port of Tallinn inaugurated a long-anticipated tram line connecting the harbor with the city center, Old Town, and major transportation hubs, such as the railway station, bus terminal, and eventually the airport. This new tram line enhances access to the harbor for workers, residents, and tourists while promoting sustainable transport.

From the Port’s perspective, the tram line represents more than just transportation—it’s a step toward a modern, eco-friendly urban environment. As part of future development, the harbor area will see approximately 3,500 new residents and nearly 10,000 new jobs, making efficient public transport vital to reducing car dependency and traffic congestion.

 

Winter Cruises Visit the Old City Harbour

After a long break, the luxurious cruise ship Le Commandant Charcot visited Tallinn’s Old City Harbour twice in December. The return of cruise passengers during winter is a delightful sight, offering them the chance to experience the Nordic winter, the festive Old Town, and adventures in snowy nature.

In 2024, the total number of cruise ship visits in Tallinn reached 100 — 10 more than the previous year. Among the 150,000 cruise tourists, 44% were from Germany, 23% from the USA, and 16% from the UK. Of the 43 ships visiting, 10 were first-time arrivals in Tallinn. Although the number of passenger and cruise ship visits have not yet returned to pre-crisis levels, longer stays, an extended cruise season, and increased participation in organized excursions reflect positive trends.

 

MarineHack Hackaton

In September, the MarineHack event, organized by TalTech’s Estonian Maritime Academy and the Port of Tallinn, brought together students, scientists, and experts to address pressing environmental challenges in the Baltic Sea.

This 12-hour hackathon focused on the Fin-Est Green Corridor, promoting climate-neutral and sustainable maritime solutions between Estonia and Finland. Challenges included traffic flow management,  improving waste sorting, creating data exchange systems for port-related businesses, air quality measurement, and increasing quay material durability.

The winning team proposed an innovative solution for port facility construction. In the future, ports could use recycled polymer composite sheet pile elements instead of steel. The second place solution involved a hyperspectral camera for real-time air quality monitoring, enabling the tracking and forecasting of port emissions.

The Maritime Academy recognized the Port of Tallinn as the “Friend of the Maritime Academy 2024.”

 

Fin-Est Green Corridor Projects

The Fin-Est Green Corridor initiative is a collaborative effort between the cities and ports of Tallinn and Helsinki and ferry operators, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023. The key goal is to accelerate the transition to climate-neutral transportation and reduce environmental impacts while providing sustainable and efficient passenger and cargo transport solutions.

In October 2024, the steering committee approved 19 joint projects to promote climate-neutral maritime transport in the Gulf of Finland. These projects include studies on green fuel adoption, carbon capture, zero-emission port infrastructure development, enhanced waste management, and cycling tourism improvements to streamline routes between cities and ferries.

 

New Environmentally Friendly Methanol-Powered Container Line

In July, the container ship Eco Maestro, powered by biomethanol, commenced operations at Muuga Harbour. This vessel operates on the Green Finland X-PRESS (GFX) line, connecting Rotterdam, Antwerp, Kotka, Helsinki (Vuosaari), and Muuga. Biomethanol, a renewable fuel, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65% compared to conventional ship fuels. Later in the year, another ship, Eco Levant, joined the line.

Advancing green technologies and sustainable solutions in shipping supports the Port of Tallinn’s broader goal of achieving climate neutrality while creating new business opportunities in the logistics sector. The new container line also offers additional reliability and convenience for Estonian exporters and importers.

 

Agreement for LM Terminal Construction

The Port of Tallinn signed an agreement with JetGas OÜ to build a liquefied methane (LM) terminal at Muuga Harbour. This new terminal will bring additional ship visits and cargo volumes to the Port while enabling the transport sector to transition to cleaner fuels. The project includes the phased construction of a terminal with up to five storage tanks and a pipeline connecting the quay, to be completed by 2030. It supports the EU’s climate goals and enhances regional energy security.

 

Increased Cargo Handling Capacity at Cargo Ports

At Paldiski South Harbour, ESTEVE deployed a new 150-ton Liebherr mobile crane, enabling tandem lifts of up to 200 tons with the existing Gottwald crane. This upgrade improves the efficiency and capacity of handling diverse cargo.

In spring, components for Estonia’s largest onshore wind farm, Sopi-Tootsi, were delivered through Paldiski South Harbour. Manufactured by Nordex and transported from Asia, the components were assembled in North Pärnumaa. Operated by Enefit Green, the park features 38 wind turbines and 112,000 solar panels, generating 750 GWh of renewable electricity annually, equivalent to 10% of Estonia’s electricity needs.

At Muuga Harbour, HHLA TK introduced a unique mobile hydro crane from Mantsinen, which combines electric and diesel engines, marking a first in the Baltic region.

 

Twin-Port VI and Other EU Projects

The EU approved €15.4 million in funding for the Port of Tallinn and Helsinki’s Twin-Port VI joint project. This four-year initiative focuses on reducing the environmental impacts of shipping between Estonia and Finland while enhancing transportation opportunities. The Port of Tallinn will build shore power connections at Muuga Harbour for ro-ro and container ships, while the Port of Helsinki will advance developments at Vuosaari Harbour.

The INTERREG BSR program also approved two cooperation projects with the Port of Tallinn: H2deri@BSP and Circular Ports. These projects will explore hydrogen storage and handling, carbon capture, and waste recycling opportunities at ports, supporting the Port of Tallinn’s sustainability goals.

 

Recycling of Old IT Equipment

The Port of Tallinn partnered with GreenDice to repurpose outdated IT equipment, supporting sustainability goals. GreenDice ensures that devices are refurbished for community reuse or efficiently recycled, promoting responsible electronic waste management.

 

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Key Events and Achievements of Subsidiaries:

 

• Contract Renewal for Ferry Services on Saaremaa and Hiiumaa Routes
  TS Laevad signed a public service contract with the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture for ferry services on the Saaremaa and Hiiumaa routes. The agreement spans seven years, from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2033.
• Icebreaking Service by Ferry Tõll
  On January 3, TS Laevad received an emergency request to assist the cargo ship Friendland, which was stuck in ice near the Väinameri Strait while en route from Latvia to Finland.
• Sky Plus Radio Day on Saaremaa Route
  In June, TS Laevad collaborated with R-Kiosk to host a special Sky Plus radio broadcast day aboard the ferry Piret. Throughout the day, the popular radio station shared updates about TS Laevad, R-Kiosk, and the Saaremaa and Hiiumaa islands.
• Smooth Operations During Midsummer Record Traffic
  Despite high passenger volumes, there were no significant delays during Midsummer thanks to the temporary operation of the ferry Regula from June 20 to August 18.
• Leadership Extension
  TS Laevad extended the term of board member and head of shipping operations Guldar Kivro by three years, starting December 9, 2024.
• Joining the Hiiumaa Tourism Cluster
  To strengthen local community ties, TS Laevad joined the Hiiumaa Tourism Cluster in 2024, aiming to enhance the promotion of events and attractions on the island.
• Maintenance and Repairs
  In 2024, the ferries underwent extensive maintenance:
  • Ferry Tõll underwent scheduled dry docking in spring and emergency docking in December.
  • Ferry Leiger completed its regular dry docking in autumn.
  • Ferry Piret had its main engines replaced onsite in autumn.

Ferry Regula substituted for other ferries during these maintenance periods.

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• Summer Operations in the UK
  The multifunctional icebreaker Botnica worked for BP Exploration Operating Company Ltd in the UK from May to July.
• Long-Term Charter Agreement with Baffinland
  TS Shipping extended its agreement with Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation to charter the Botnica during summer periods from 2024 to 2028. The vessel assists cargo ships in Canadian Arctic waters.
• Leadership and Crew Changes
  • The term of board member Damir Utorov was extended for three years starting July 6, 2024.
  • On November 21, Kalle Kärner assumed the role of captain of Botnica, bringing extensive maritime expertise to the team.
• Winter Operations
  On December 20, Botnica began icebreaking services under a contract with the Estonian Transport Administration. Starting January 1, 2025, operational functions transitioned from the Transport Administration to the State Fleet.

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• Opening of a New Recycling Plant
  In October, Green Marine AS, a Port of Tallinn affiliate and leading waste management company, inaugurated a new construction and demolition waste processing plant in Maardu. This state-of-the-art facility enhances waste recycling efficiency and sustainability, setting a new benchmark in Estonia.