Project Profile: Helsinki’s Kalasatama-Pasila Tramway (Line 13)

The Kalasatama-Pasila tramway project (Line 13) is a strategic expansion of Helsinki’s light rail network, engineered to connect the new Kalasatama urban district with the Pasila national transport hub. This profile details the technical specifications, project management structure, and sustainability frameworks that define this critical piece of urban infrastructure. The project focuses on integrating sustainable construction practices with advanced rail technology to support Helsinki’s long-term carbon neutrality goals.

Technical Specifications

The core infrastructure comprises 11,989 meters of new 1,000 mm gauge slab track, designed for durability and noise mitigation. The system is supported by four new power substations distributing electricity across 56 km of cabling. The line features 25 new tram stops, 34 turnouts, and 17 track crossings, facilitating complex operational movements and high-frequency service. Construction implemented advanced sustainability protocols under the BREEAM framework, including the use of low-carbon concrete for piling and extensive lifecycle assessments (LCA) for all specified materials. The route integrates with key transport interchanges, including a transfer link to the Crown Bridges light rail at Nihti terminal and connections to national rail services at Pasila Station.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Urban Integration: The project successfully connects a major brownfield redevelopment (Kalasatama smart city) with Helsinki’s primary metro and national rail hub, catalysing economic growth and improving regional mobility.
• Sustainability as a Benchmark: By achieving BREEAM infrastructure certification and mandating LCA for materials, the project sets a new standard for environmentally responsible public transport construction in the Nordic region.
• Collaborative Alliance Model: The use of two distinct but coordinated alliances (Sorkan and Karaatti) proved to be a highly effective project management strategy for handling the complex civil, rail, and utility works inherent in a dense urban environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Kalasatama-Pasila tramway be fully operational?
The main infrastructure for the Kalasatama-Pasila tramway, also known as Line 13, was completed in 2024 and the line is currently operational. The full-service-level, including higher frequency and capacity, will be achieved upon the phased arrival of new, larger tram vehicles, with the complete fleet expected by 2027.

Who is building the Helsinki Line 13 tramway?
The construction of Helsinki’s Line 13 was managed through a collaborative dual-alliance model. The Sorkan alliance, consisting of WSP Finland, Destia, Destia Rail, and Sweco Infra & Rail, handled one section. The Karaatti alliance, comprising GRK Suomi, AFRY Finland, FLOU, and Nakyma landscape architects, was responsible for another major section of the project.