07.06.2024 10:00
Leading the Way for the World’s Port Operators
Olmar’s ambition is to be the world’s first carbon dioxide-free port operator. Sustainable development, which also includes safety at work, takes precedence over everything else. It is priority number one.
Seren’s Hong Kong vessel is loaded in the port of Pori. The timber is sent from Pori to Alexandria in Egypt, says Olmar’s Managing Director Timo Lehtinen. Image: Leena Roskala
A shipload of concentrate has arrived at the port. It is much needed in our electrifying world. In Boliden Harjavalta’s production, a shipload of concentrate is enough for two to three days.
Currently, Olmar is also replacing its own machinery with one that runs on renewable electricity.
“To replace the boom cranes, we have just ordered two all-electric cranes costing a total of EUR 7 million. We are also planning a EUR 1 million charging infrastructure for electric forklifts.
With the machines, the total investment is EUR 10 million,” says Timo Lehtinen, Managing Director of Olmar.
Diesel is to be phased out completely in due course.
“There are no solutions yet for larger machines, but the technology is developing quickly and Olmar’s owner is ready to acquire it.”
Olmar is owned by the Dutch pension fund PGGM. A major reason for Olmar’s investments in Pori is wind farm logistics. It is of interest to the owner, whose core value is sustainability.
“The owner’s investment horizon is perpetual. That perspective takes precedence over everything, including shorter-term profitability. This perspective guides investment decisions.”
Logistics Company Olmar
• Established in Pori in 2022
• A warehousing, stevedoring, cargo handling and crane services operator
• Handles up to 400 vessels per year, with an average of two vessels per day
• Services include land and sea logistics
• Offers port and shipping company services in the
ports of Pori, Hamina and Kotka
When you have long-term goals, it brings an ambitious perspective to your work.
The 76-metre wind turbine blades are imported from all over the world, including Korea. This one goes to the Oosinselkä wind farm in Luvia. Image: Leena Roskala
A dozen offshore wind projects are planned off the coast of Pori. Cooperation between the ports of Pori and Raahe is also aimed at strengthening participation in similar projects in Sweden.
“Offshore wind power projects are new and hardly anyone has experience of them yet. The components are three times the size of what we’re used to. The blades will be between 150 and 160 metres long, and the turbines will weigh 700 tonnes. This development also requires new skills from staff in handling and storing components.”
Olmar’s list of sustainability goals is quite long and largely relies on skilled, trained and motivated staff.
“The world has changed significantly in the last five years. We have strengthened our expertise and recruited new talent. We have taken a great leap forward. When you have long-term goals, it brings an ambitious perspective to your work. For our customers, sustainability goals are also very high on their own agenda.”
The forestry and metal industries and project activity are the mainstays of Finland and the Satakunta region, which are very export-driven, given the circumstances.
“We should also attract new industrial investment and improve the road infrastructure. The Pori-Haapamäki railway would be a EUR 400 million investment, which would also provide a boost to the economy by opening up access to mines in Sotkamo.”
Satakunta Chamber of Commerce magazine 2/2024 Review
