Port of Kristiinankaupunki – A port being developed for the future

The port of Kristiinankaupunki has come a long way from a small pier in the inner harbour to Blomberg Stevedoring’s strategic growth platform. Blomberg Stevedoring, part of the KWH Logistics business group, acquired the Karhusaari port facility from Pohjolan Voima-Lämpövoima Oy in August 2023. The acquisition was a natural continuation of the long-standing activities of the company and its predecessor, Kristinestads Stevedoring, in the area. Operations have taken place at Karhusaari for decades, and before that in the inner harbour of Kristiinankaupunki since the 1950s. 

The development has proceeded in stages, from the first cooperation arrangements with PVO to Blomberg Stevedoring now owning the entire port area – approximately  37 hectares with buildings, warehouses and more – and there is still enough space for future investments. 

The port’s strengths speak for themselves 

The strengths of the port are clear. A 12-metre-deep fairway leads to the port, allowing the arrival of vessels up to 210 metres long and 31 metres wide. The area also features infrastructure built for heavy transport and a direct connection to main road 8 without thoroughfare restrictions.  

“This makes the area ideal especially for wind power and project transports, for which Blomberg Stevedoring is currently preparing new expansions,” says Björn Knutar, Managing Director of Blomberg Stevedoring. 

The City of Kristiinankaupunki is also heavily involved in the development of the port. The city’s open and solution-oriented cooperation has helped the port to grow, attract new projects and prepare for future industrial investments, such as the planned methanol plant. 

Flexible, strong and ready for growth 

Blomberg Stevedoring sees exceptional potential in the port. The company’s flexible operating model, growing resources and services adapted to customer needs form the basis on which the port of the future is being built. The large areas of land, strong infrastructure and ability to customise operations for specific projects give the port a competitive advantage that few other ports can offer. Together with the city, Blomberg Stevedoring is developing the port for the long term. The aim is to create a modern and efficient logistics centre that is driven by customer needs. 

The port of Kristiinankaupunki can be summed up in three words:
potential, flexible, forward-looking