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CHANGES IN TRAFFIC FLOWS AT PORTS OF SOUTHWEST FINLAND 1993-1999

1999; Linguagem: Inglês

0783-2680

Pekka Iikkanen, Jouko Sirén,

Law, logistics, and international trade

The study examines changes of demand for foreign shipments at the ports of Southwest Finland (Hanko, Turku, Naantali and Uusikaupunki) and the factors behind these changes in the period 1993-1999. In addition, the study evaluates factors that may have an impact on changing demand at the ports of Southwest Finland in future. The subject of the analyses were shipments taking place by various means of transport (truck, trailer, railway wagon and container) and other consignments of unitised cargo. Regular line traffic at the ports of Southwest Finland sails mainly to Sweden and the Baltic ports of Germany. Considerable changes affecting supply and demand for traffic have occurred on these lines during the 1990s. As a consequence of these changes, the market share of Southwest Finnish ports has grown relative to other ports in the South of Finland. The growth of traffic at Southwest Finnish ports has been influenced by transfers of traffic from other ports as well as by an overall increase in exports and imports. The most notable change, however, has occurred in demand between the ports of Southwest Finland. The growth of Swedish traffic has been directed towards truck and trailer consignments. The port of Naantali has benefited most from this growth. Most of the ferry line traffic that operated between Uusikaupunki and Hargshamn has been transferred to the rapidly growing traffic between Naantali and Kapellskar. The Naantali route, which has increased its outward supply, has also attracted traffic from routes to the ports of Turku and Helsinki. In traffic with the Baltic ports of Germany, the trailer has strengthened its position as the most important means of transport. Moreover, the market share of railway wagon shipments carried on train ferries has been falling. Train ferry traffic with Travemunde in Germany moved from the port of Hanko to Turku in 1998. An increasing share of the port of Hanko's shipments consists of trailer consignments that have been transferred from the port of Helsinki. Behind this transfer is the rapid increase in the port of Hanko's outward supply. On the other hand, the transfer of rail ferry traffic to Turku and its integration with roll-on/roll-off traffic has not yet increased trailer consignments on the Turku route. The study showed that the development of foreign traffic for particular harbours is difficult to estimate in advance. A significant part of transfers between the ports of Southwest Finland has occurred within three years. It is evident that it has not been possible to prepare for such rapid changes of traffic flows in decision-making related to highways and port infrastructure. To support their decisions, the transport authorities also need even more comprehensive information about the factors behind the change in demand for cargo traffic and about the risks associated with transport projects.