Mäkilä criticizes media coverage of Port of Pori amid environmental concerns

Vesa Mäkilä, the CEO of the Port of Pori, has criticized the language used in news coverage concerning the port and the use of outdated videos. Over the weekend, MTV reported that hazardous materials are being handled at the Mäntyluoto location, with improper handling potentially causing significant health and environmental risks. However, Mäkilä stated that no deficiencies were found during a spring inspection by authorities, and any issues identified in earlier inspections have been addressed. He also assured that improvements are ongoing.

“We have upgraded the equipment used for unloading cargo. Throughout this summer, I have not noticed any significant dust escaping into the environment,” said Mäkilä. He emphasized that the port has a practice of halting cargo unloading under certain conditions to prevent dust dispersion.

Mäkilä further claimed that misleading, outdated videos were used in the reporting. “I don’t know how those videos were acquired since no one is allowed to record from within the port without permission,” he said. He characterized the clips as taken during extreme circumstances and criticized their intention.

The Port of Pori aims to maintain good relations with the surrounding community, although it occasionally receives feedback and criticism. “Local residents tend to view many environmental issues as port-related, but that’s not accurate,” he noted.

According to a representative from the Mäntyluoto residents’ association, locals have experienced dust problems for 30 years. “The last measurement of particulate emissions was in 2018, which showed no exceedances. We are considering renewing those tests to help rebuild trust with residents,” added Mäkilä.