Hamina to dismantle 100-metre flagpole due to safety concerns

The city of Hamina has decided to dismantle its 100-metre flagpole after inspections revealed structural defects, reports Finnish broadcaster Yle. The decision was made by the city’s urban development committee on Wednesday evening, with the structure to be recycled as scrap metal.

City officials cited safety risks after a March inspection found that the flagpole’s protective coating had cracked and begun to detach. Technical director Sari Paljakka warned that falling debris could injure people below. The issue stems from an unusually high phosphorus content in the steel, which caused the zinc galvanisation layer to become overly thick and brittle, leading to cracking and paint loss.

The problems first surfaced in autumn 2025 when the flag repeatedly turned brown due to rust stains from corrosion seeping through the cracks. Repairs were estimated to cost around €500,000, while annual maintenance had already reached €25,000.

Hamina will also seek compensation from the manufacturer. Committee chair Jaana Suikkas stated that the city’s development director has been instructed to file a formal complaint.

The flagpole was erected in November 2018 to display a giant Finnish flag gifted by 30 nations in 2017 to mark the centennial of Finland’s independence. The project cost the city approximately €700,000.