Freight traffic through the Helsinki port increased by 12% during the first six months of 2017 compared to the stipulated period of the previous year, said a recent press release.

A total of 6.5 million tonnes of goods were transported through the Port during January to June.

Out of all cargo traffic, 3.3 million tonnes goods were imported while 3.1 million tonnes goods were exported.

Compared to the same period in 2016, the growth of cargo traffic was 12%. Imports increased by 12%, and exports by 11%.

The cargo traffic during the second quarter added up to 3.3 million tonnes, of which imports accounted for 1.7 million tonnes and exports 1.6 million tonnes.

“Approximately half of the increase in traffic at the Port of Helsinki is explainable through the increased market share. The positive development of the Finnish economic situation has also played a part. This is definitely good news for everyone, particularly considering that approximately half of the value of all Finnish sea transport runs through the Port of Helsinki,” said the Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Helsinki Kimmo Mäki.Meanwhile, the number of sea passengers in January–June increased slightly from the previous year (+3%), with a total of 5.4 million passengers, the press release added.