Cruise Europe – New member: Port of Kemi, Finland
As the northernmost cruise port in the Baltic Sea and Lapland’s only cruise harbour, the Port of Kemi provides cruiselines with a strategic and flexible option for itinerary planning in Northern Europe.
Located on the island of Ajos, just 15 minutes from Kemi’s compact city centre, the port enables efficient cruise calls and has the capability to support turnaround operations with short transfer times and clear passenger logistics.
Its location offers direct access to Sea Lapland and the wider Lapland region, making Kemi well suited for both summer and winter season.
Cruise traffic has been growing with interest particularly coming from expedition, luxury and boutique cruiselines. This year there are 10 calls and 7,000 passengers scheduled with Plantours and Oceania Cruises both making maiden calls and Hanseatic nature calling September 26. This compares with four/2,000 in 2022 and seven/4,800 in 2024.
The port has six berths ranging in length from 160m (berth 6) to 420m (berth 7) and depth from 9.1m (berths 4 and 5) to 13.5m (berth 7), permitting the accommodation of a wide range of vessels. LNG and biofuel bunkering capability is available at berth 7. At present, there is not a permanent dedicated cruise terminal.
The port continuously maintains and develops its quay infrastructure to support both cargo and cruise operations, is fully ISPS-compliant, provides vessel waste reception services in accordance with Finnish and international environmental regulations.
Environmental responsibility is a key priority for the Port of Kemi, which operates under certified management systems: ISO 9001 Quality Management; ISO 14001 Environmental Management; and ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety.
The port is located in the sensitive ecosystem of the northern Gulf of Bothnia and actively promotes sustainable operations, energy efficiency, waste recycling and environmental awareness. The changing scenery due to upthrust, the low salinity of the sea water and the vulnerability of the Northern nature create an unique operating environment, which the port wants to preserve.
“The Port of Kemi strives to provide high-quality services to fulfil the customer’s needs while respecting nature. The port constantly monitors and develops its activities and operational systems and is committed to follow the legislation and regulations of authorities,” explains Ritva Torikka, development director, Port of Kemi.
“In accordance with the occupational health and safety standards, the port emphasises safety in all its activities, as well as the prevention of injuries. With the environmental quality standards Port of Kemi aspires to prevent harmful environmental impacts of the operational activities and to improve the environmental awareness of its employees, stakeholders and interest groups.”
Kemi’s location offers direct access to Sea Lapland and the wider Lapland region, making it well suited for both summer and winter season. As interest in northern routes continues to grow, the port offers cruiselines a ‘Lapland by the sea’ experience and is a northern anchor point for innovative seasonal and Arctic-focused itineraries.
Light and darkness define the rhythm of life in Lapland. During the winter season, Kemi experiences kaamos/the polar night when the sea and surroundings are wrapped in a calm, blue twilight. Icebreaker Sampo is an iconic attraction giving visitors the chance to experience the Arctic ice and frozen sea.
Around midsummer, the Midnight Sun/yoton yo lights the sky almost around the clock. Long days invite leisurely walks, island cruises, and relaxed moments by the sea. Whether visiting in winter or summer, Kemi offers cruise travellers an authentic and memorable introduction to life in the Arctic right from the harbour.
(Cruise Europe – New member: Port of Kemi, Finland)
