OLKILUOTO

• FIOLK
• Latitude: 61.233
• Longitude: 21.439
• Baltic Sea
• Port in Finland

Location: Finland

Olkiluoto, situated on the western coast of Finland, is best known for housing a significant portion of the country's nuclear energy infrastructure. Located in the municipality of Eurajoki, Olkiluoto is home to the Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant. While it is not traditionally characterized as a major commercial marine port, the site does feature maritime facilities primarily tailored to the logistics of the nuclear industry.

General Description:

Location: Olkiluoto is located in the Gulf of Bothnia, part of the Baltic Sea, off the west coast of Finland. The coordinates for the nuclear power plant are approximately 61.2361° N, 21.4340° E.

Primary Use: The facilities are dedicated to supporting the transport and delivery of equipment, materials, and personnel to the Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant. The site includes three reactors (two operational, and the third, OL3, which is a European Pressurized Reactor, has been undergoing commissioning).

Marine Facilities Components:

1. Harbor and Docking Facilities:

   • Purpose: The harbor is mainly used for receiving large components and equipment necessary for the nuclear reactors' construction, maintenance, and operation.
   • Docking Facilities: Generally, these include heavy-duty berths designed to handle substantial loads typical of industrial and nuclear materials.

2. Security Measures:

   • Restricted Access: Due to the sensitive nature of the nuclear power plant, the port facilities are tightly controlled with restricted access.
   • Surveillance: Comprehensive surveillance and security protocols are in place to ensure compliance with national and international nuclear safety regulations.

3. Support Infrastructure:

   • Storage Areas: Specialized storage areas for materials awaiting transport to the plant, including radiation-safe facilities for particular components.
   • Equipment and Maintenance: Various cranes and heavy lifting equipment to manage the unloading and transport of large, heavy, or specialized cargo.

Specifications:

• Channel Depth: Adequate to handle the transport vessels needed for industrial deliveries, typically monitored to ensure safe navigation.

• Berth Length & Depth: Designed to accommodate large industrial transport ships. Specific dimensions may vary depending on the type of shipment.

• Navigational Aids: Includes buoys, lights, and other navigational aids crucial for safe marine operations, particularly under the often challenging weather conditions of the region.

Accessibility:

Road Connections: The port facilities are connected to the regional road network, enabling the easy transport of goods from the harbor to the nuclear plant itself and other destinations.

Rail Connections: While not directly connected by rail, there are nearby rail links that facilitate the broader distribution of materials throughout Finland.

Environmental Considerations:

Given the environmental sensitivity of nuclear operations, the port facilities adhere to stringent environmental regulations to minimize impact on the surrounding Baltic Sea ecosystem. This involves regular monitoring and adherence to best practices in waste management and emissions.

Conclusion:

While not a commercial port in the traditional sense, Olkiluoto’s marine facilities play a crucial role in supporting Finland’s nuclear energy infrastructure. The facility is strategically developed to manage the specific demands of nuclear logistics, emphasizing security, safety, and environmental stewardship.