The Port of Helsinki has selected a consortium consisting of AINS Group, Finnmap Infra, and WSP Finland to engineer the harbour tunnel. The group is responsible for the comprehensive planning of the tunnel construction, which aims to improve traffic management in Helsinki's West Harbour.
The consortium, which includes consulting firms AINS Group, Finnmap Infra (part of the Solwers Group), and WSP Finland, will be responsible for the main engineering, rock engineering, geotechnical engineering, as well as structural, architectural, traffic, road, and street engineering of the harbour tunnel. The contract for the first phase of the harbour tunnel engineering was signed on July 1st.
"In selecting the engineers, we particularly emphasized strong experience in demanding underground projects, deep knowledge of the alliance model, and the ability to produce innovative and feasible solutions. The chosen team convincingly demonstrated their mastery of both technical engineering and the leadership required for collaboration. This brings us excellent expertise for the development phase engineering and joint efforts," says Pekka Hellström, technical director of the Port of Helsinki.
The harbour tunnel, extending from West Harbour to Länsiväylä, is a significant project for Helsinki, aimed at improving the infrastructure and traffic management in the city center. The approximately two-kilometer-long twin tunnel will have separate tunnels for each direction of traffic. The harbour tunnel will move all heavy traffic from West Harbour underground.
"Harbour traffic is busy, so traffic arrangements must work seamlessly even in the middle of the construction site. In the tunnel project, we can utilize our extensive expertise in underground space engineering and project management. The consideration of the Lapinlahti park area and the rock environment requires particularly careful engineering," says Matti Kalliomäki, senior vice president at Finnmap Infra.
Best technical expertise through collaboration
AINS Group, Finnmap Infra, and WSP are among Finland's most experienced tunnel engineering experts, with strong expertise in technically demanding alliance projects. Key personnel from the engineering group have been involved in engineering projects such as the Tampere Rantatunnel, Vuosaari traffic tunnels, and the West Metro.
"The harbour tunnel is not being built just for the sake of the tunnel, but it will free up above-ground Helsinki in prime locations for human use and enjoyment. From the perspective of rock and geotechnical engineering, the tunnel is unique, among other things, because the entrance on the Jätkäsaari side will be very close to the sea, and the rock roof is thin in places," says Timo Saanio, development director at AINS Group.
The goal is to identify the best experts for each technical area in close collaboration.
"Building the tunnel in the middle of a dense urban area is an incredibly interesting project for our experts who have planned rock tunnels and their concrete structures as well as challenging excavations. We can also utilize our experience in engineering and project management of large and demanding projects in good cooperation with our partners," says Juha-Pekka Smolander, sector director at WSP Finland.
The development phase of the tunnel project will begin in December 2025, with construction expected to start in 2028. The tunnel is scheduled to be completed in 2032.
Further information
Matti Kalliomäki, senior vice president, Finnmap Infra
Tel. 040 735 7788
matti.kalliomaki@finnmap-infra.fi
Timo Saanio, development director, AINS Group
Tel. 040 506 5671
timo.saanio@ains.fi
Juha-Pekka Smolander, sector director, WSP Finland
Tel. 040 708 5386
juha-pekka.smolander@wsp.com
Pekka Hellström, technical director, Port of Helsinki
Tel. 040 334 5804
pekka.hellstrom@portofhelsinki.fi
AINS Group is a pioneering Finnish company that paves the way in construction engineering and industrial consulting. Together, we create the best environments and challenge the entire sector to renew in a sustainable manner. Our 1,400-strong expert organisation offers comprehensive planning and project management services for building, industrial and infrastructure projects. ains.fi
Finnmap Infra is an expert company in community planning, specializing in road, area, rock structure, and foundation design. The company is part of the Solwers Oyj group, which includes 28 locally operating companies specializing in architecture, design, and consulting in Finland and Sweden. The group employs over 700 professionals. finnmap-infra.fi | solwers.fi
WSP is one of the world's leading expert companies. The company operates in over 50 countries and employs approximately 73,000 experts. In Finland, over 850 experts lead and consult projects, as well as design and shape a sustainable built environment together with clients. wsp.com