Transforming Port of Kantasatama: a vibrant hub for culture, business, and education

Kantasatama, the bustling harbor in Kotka, is ready to embark on an exciting new chapter of growth and development, as operators of the area set their sights on transforming the area into a vibrant and modern district. The project aims to create the area an appealing environment for businesses, visitors, students, and residents.

What is in Kantasatama and what will be built there?

Since Maritime Centre Vellamo establishment in 2008, Kantasatama has been influenced by its magnificent presence. This architecturally beautiful attraction houses the Maritime Museum of Finland, the Coast Guard Museum, the Kymenlaakso Museum, Museum Shop Plootu, restaurant Laakonki and cultural and event services of Kotka. Visitors are spoilt for choice with a myriad of engaging activities, including permanent and temporary exhibitions, interactive workshops, delicious dining options, and a lively calendar of events.

The operations of Kantasatama are developing from freight traffic to passenger and cruise traffic now. This is seen in the completion of a passenger terminal to support cruise and scheduled traffic operations in April 2022. In addition, a unique total safety training environment, the Safety Park, was completed in Kantasatama in 2023.

Adding to the allure of Kantasatama, the upcoming event centre Satama Areena is set to open its doors by the end of the summer 2023. Its facilities can be flexibly used for a variety of events, such as concerts, meetings, seminars, congresses, and private, sports or athletic events. Adaptable facilities and high-quality event services allow both small gatherings and large events, for more than 3000 people. When opening, event centre Satama Areena will complement the need for large event facilities throughout Kymenlaakso.

In the future, Kantasatama will also be filled with students when Kotka campus of Xamk, South-Eastern Finland University of Applies Sciences, moves from Metsola to port of Kantasatama. The new campus is designed to offer modern ways of teaching and learning. It is estimated that student will be able to start studying in new landscapes in the autumn of 2024.

In addition to all these constructions, there are plans to build a hotel and a business centre in Kantasatama. The realisation of these buildings will be confirmed in the future.