Forestry companies explore water transport solutions in Joensuu, Finland

On an early and slightly foggy morning, four men stroll along a path towards the banks of the Pielisjoki River in Joensuu’s Kulho. By an old mooring dock, each man hops onto his tugboat and starts the engine. Their day’s work involves transporting large wooden rafts that are set to be taken to Pyhäselkä.

Esa Korhonen, the logging manager for the Lake Saimaa Logging Association, notes that forestry companies are increasingly interested in water transport. Since the halt of timber imports from Russia two years ago, logistics within the forestry industry have needed rethinking. The volume of timber transported by water has risen in recent years, and this trend looks set to continue. However, the limits of transportation capacity have been tested as Russian transportation equipment left the country alongside timber. Timber storage has also become a challenge.

According to Korhonen, forestry companies are contemplating the acquisition of new vessels for Saimaa, as the current fleet is aging. He explains that transporting timber by water is significantly cheaper than by road or rail over long distances, and aligns with companies’ environmental targets and energy efficiency demands.

Jari Laukkanen and his father, Pekka, experienced tugboat operators, are well-versed in the river’s currents and challenges. They emphasize the importance of understanding the water’s behavior, which varies with flow and speed. The Pielisjoki River, which reached record-high waters this spring, poses unique navigational challenges.

As they work together, Laukkanen reflects on the need for new crew members in this specialized field, highlighting the significance of hands-on learning. With environmental objectives tightening and carbon footprints from road transport being substantially higher, water transport offers clear advantages.