According to the 2010 Baltic Port Barometer, published by the Centre for Maritime Studies at the University of Turku, expectations for this year in the Baltic Sea area have risen notably since last year. However, ports are expecting that peak cargo volume levels that were experienced just before current economic downturn will not be reached again in the Baltic Sea before 2012 or 2013.
There are some wide differences among prospects for Finnish ports. For example, the ports of Kotka and Hanko are benefiting from transport associated with construction of the Nord Stream underwater gas pipeline that is being built between Russia and Germany.
"Yes, this is a business worth millions to us. And, it comes at an especially good time for us," says Port Director Paavo O. Lyytikäinen of the Port of Hanko.
After nearly two years of a slump, auto imports via Finnish ports are reviving, even though new Russian customs regulations may threaten this growth next year. At its peak, the Port of Hanko was handling over 400,000 vehicles a year, most of them in transit to Russia.
"During the recession, car imports fell to just a quarter of that level, or to around 100,000 last year. This year looks to be clearly better," notes Lyytikäinen.