Helsinki – some ferry services restart

News 19 May 2020 by WCN Editorial

Passenger links between Tallinn and Helsinki have partly reopened, for work-related journeys. Tourist ferry trips remain off the table, however

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All three shipping lines concerned, Tallink, Viking Line and Eckerö, have restarted their routes, which, save for cargo supplies, have been largely dormant since March.

In accordance with the decision of the Finnish government on 4th May, commuter traffic, other necessary traffic and the return of Finnish citizens to Finland may was resumed on Thursday 14th May. Commuters no longer have to “justify” their journey, but border controls remain for the time being.

The ports of Helsinki and Tallinn have adopted similar measures.

Terminals are cleaned more thoroughly and surfaces are disinfected regularly.
Terminals are equipped with disinfectant stations for passengers.
Passengers are reminded to maintain good hand hygiene and safety distances with the help of signs and markings, for example.
Use of facial masks is strongly recommended. There is a limited supply available at the terminals.

20th May addendum: The Port of Helsinki has been forced to take drastic action to reduce costs because of the fall in business due to the Covid-19 crisis. It has taken the decision to dismiss, temporarily and on a “rolling basis,” all personnel for a total of 30 days between the start of August (the end of the summer holiday period) and the end of 2020, and for a maximum of 30 days (ie it could be less) in early 2021. Management is waiving its holiday bonuses for 2020. The port says it will try to arrange the temporary dismissals to minimise disruption for customers and operations.