Protective systems for harsh maritime conditions

20.10.2016

Tikkurila paints will protect the steel structures of the new passenger terminal in Helsinki’s West Harbour.

The West Harbour is being renovated to accommodate rising numbers of passengers. Traffic through the West Harbour is continuously growing, particularly for the fast connections to Tallinn. The current terminal premises no longer serve large numbers of visitors as they are becoming cramped, with long walking distances between the terminals and the ships. For this reason, the West Harbour is being expanded southwards. The expansion will include a new terminal and two new docks serving traffic to Tallinn.

Photo 1. The general view of the new passenger terminal 

The new passenger terminal is building by YIT Rakennus Oy. According to the publication given in Port of Helsinki news, this is an extensive project even for YIT, although the company has large projects under way. The terminal has plenty of steel structures and large glass façades. Other key materials include aluminum and concrete. The design project of the West Harbour was developed by PES-Architects, Helsinki.

Photo 2. The main entrance will be equipped with shelters providing protection from wind and rain.

The West Harbour is an interesting target for Tikkurila’s industrial paint business as well. “Tikkurila has collaborated with the main contractor in charge of the steel structures, Normek Oy, to identify painting systems which ensure that the surfaces have the defined colors and gloss. As the new building must withstand harsh maritime conditions, it has been protected using painting systems that have been tried and tested over the years and found to be reliable. Tikkurila’s paints were used to coat steel structures indoors and outdoors.  Some of the coating was performed in Estonia and Latvia,” Jarno Sula, Sales  Manager Industry, Finland said.

Photo 3. Jarno Sula, Sales Manager Industry, Finland is doing visual inspection of the painted surfaces.

Photo 4. The construction work is proceeding rapidly.

The newest passenger terminal in West Harbour is scheduled to open in the spring of 2017.