Most commercial maritime ports offer rail network services, which are an efficient option for handling large transport volumes. A substantial share of the export and import traffic for industry and commerce passes through these ports. They also play an important role in national security and defense preparedness. In Finland, the rail network is divided between the state-owned network managed by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and so-called private tracks owned by other parties, such as industrial operators and companies.
Among the key safety obligations for ports is the requirement to hold a safety authorization when acting as a rail infrastructure manager (for seaports), or to submit a notification regarding the management of a private track (for inland ports). These are linked to a safety management system, which describes the technical management and daily operation of the rail network and includes regular risk assessment and control procedures. Traficom supervises both the safety authorization and notification processes.
Ports are also obligated to engage in contingency planning, including systematic preparedness for serious disruptions and exceptional situations, even on private tracks. This requires strengthening continuity of operations both internally at each port and in cooperation with stakeholders and authorities (such as Traficom).
As ports operate in competitive markets, they must also take into account procedures that ensure competitive neutrality and access to the market in the provision of rail network services. In matters related to railway market legislation, the port operator is considered a “service facility operator” and must publish a service facility description. This document outlines the port’s rail network and the services offered, explains the access procedures, and details the pricing of rail network usage.
The association’s rail network group addresses legislative issues related to preparedness, safety, and market regulation concerning rail networks managed by port authorities, as well as the obligations arising from changes in these areas. The topics include contingency planning, the technical interoperability and safety of rail networks, and the implementation and development of legislation and regulations concerning practices that maintain the openness of the railway market.
The group consists of both technical experts from ports and officials responsible for market-related matters. The working group meets remotely and in person 1–3 times a year.
Suomen Satamat ry © 2025
