The port of Tallinn can be safely called one of the largest ports of the Baltic Sea and the largest port association in Estonia.
A bit of history
As early as the 9th-10th centuries, the use of the trade route passing through the Gulf of Finland made Tallinn harbor a convenient refuge for ships. Many centuries passed, the transportation of goods and passengers by sea developed dynamically. Accordingly, the port territory also increased.
After the accession of Tallinn to the Russian Empire, the decree of Emperor Peter I began the construction of a fortified military port. And the establishment in 1880 of direct railway links with St. Petersburg, contributed to the further rapid development of the seaport of Tallinn.
During the period from 1881 to 1904, new embankments of solid stone were built, reliable breakwaters were equipped, and the Western pier was completely reconstructed. After the end of World War I, the port was lost. The reason was the destruction of trade relations with Russia.
During the bombing in World War II, most of the buildings and structures of the port were destroyed. Since 1953, a large-scale reconstruction of the port began, new terminals began to work, and a lot of modern transport and handling equipment appeared. By 1975, the port of the city was completely ready and began to operate at full capacity.
Port structure
Today, the state port organization "Port of Tallinn" unites five different operating ports of the city:
- Old Town Port - the main passenger port of Estonia;
- Muuga is rightfully considered the largest cargo port;
- Palyassaare is a small auxiliary port;
- Paldiski - a cargo port located in a suburb of Tallinn;
- Port of Saaremaa - located on the island of Saaremaa.
According to statistics, the average sea freight turnover of the port of Tallinn exceeds 3 million tons. And the ongoing flow of passengers visiting this ancient beautiful city exceeds 80 thousand people a year.
The Baltic Sea is quite cold, ice fetters the coast from January to April, but the movement of ships does not stop even for a day. In cold weather, icebreakers are always ready at the port to help ships make their way through the harsh ice.
Muuga Port
This cargo port is not only the largest in Estonia, but also the deepest. In the area of the Muuga port in Tallinn, the depth of the Baltic Sea reaches eighteen meters, therefore it is one of the most popular cargo harbors in Europe.
On a vast territory there are 29 berths to which cargo ships moor . The port is capable of accepting ships up to 300 meters long.
In total, the port has more than fifteen terminals designed to store various cargoes - from grain and frozen food products to coal and metallurgy products. There are also opportunities for transshipment, storage of oil and its refined products.
Port of the Old Town
This large passenger port is conveniently located almost in the heart of the city. From its berths to the historical center of Tallinn about fifteen minutes at a slow walking pace. When approaching the port, a strikingly beautiful view of the old city opens from the side of the liner.
It is interesting that with the beginning of spring navigation, not only large vessels enter the harbor, but also small yachts under the flags of different countries. Locals love to come here and stroll along the pier, watching small boats and feeding the birds.
This port of Tallinn is European-style comfortable and spacious. Numerous passengers are offered three modern terminals for system boarding and disembarking of guests, so there is almost no hustle and bustle. Their names are indicated by Latin letters A, B and D. Each of them serves the vessels of certain companies. For the convenience of guests everywhere there are cozy cafes and restaurants, as well as duty-free shops.
Port terminals
The entry under letter A connects Estonia with Finland and Russia. This terminal should be used to get to Helsinki from the port of Tallinn. St.Peters Line ferries, connecting St. Petersburg with Tallinn, Helsinki and Stockholm, also come here.
Terminal B provides unhindered access for passengers arriving from Finland and Russia.
The port administration claims that ships from more than fifteen countries can simultaneously be in the water area.
Terminal D of Tallinn's passenger port provides both boarding and departure of passengers using Tallink Silja vessels. Because there is always quite crowded.
How to get there
The port of the old town is located near the center, but walking with luggage is not very convenient.
You can get from the airport either by taxi or by bus No. 2. For the convenience of passengers, it stops just ten meters from the main gate of the port of Tallinn. Getting from the bus station, you can use the same bus.
Tram No. 2 also makes a stop near the port of the Old Town. However, this is not so convenient. After leaving at Linnahall station, you will need to cross a busy road to go back a few hundred meters.
Having decided to use taxi services, you need to know an interesting detail of the service: the client can choose any car he likes in the parking lot, it is not necessary to get in the first line.