Tallinn Unveils Sustainable Dual Purpose Cruise Terminal

The Estonian capital of Tallinn has opened a striking eco-friendly cruise terminal aimed at encouraging visitors to the historic city and at the same time reducing the environmental impact of travel to the region.

A feature of the dual-purpose terminal is the extensive use of sustainable wood which can be seen in large areas of decking and the exterior cladding on the contemporary building. The Port of Tallinn worked with the Norwegian company Kebony, a global leader in the production of sustainable wood such as pine. Outside the cruise season the building will be to host events, such as concerts and conferences, accommodating up to 2,000 people.

Cruise ship at Tallinn Cruise Terminal

Tallinn, a former European Capital of Culture, is famous for is perfectly preserved medieval Old Town, towering church spires and cobbled streets and is a popular port of call on Baltic cruises.

The new terminal features an 850-metre-long promenade, designed to connect the port’s 10 million plus passengers each year to the all-new leisure areas. These include tiered outdoor seating where visitors can enjoy the far-reaching ocean views from the highest point of the terminal. The building was designed by Tallinn-based Salto Architects, a company which takes a particular interest in exploring the meeting points between architecture, landscape design and art. It was created to blend in with its surroundings and, over time, Kebony wood develops a silver-grey patina that will complement surrounding sea whilst requiring little to no maintenance.

Interior of Tallinn Cruise Terminal

Nina Landbo, Kebony’s International Sales Manager, said:

“We are delighted that Kebony was chosen for the exterior cladding and decking of this flagship cruise terminal in Estonia and hope it can be used to inspire the development of many more sustainable projects for the cruise-ship industry worldwide.”

The company has received numerous awards for its environmentally friendly technology and innovation, including being named a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer.

Author Bio:

Known as the ‘River Cruise Queen’, Jeannine Williamson is an award-winning travel writer, cruise expert and our cruise correspondent, who has clocked up thousands of nautical miles.

Photographs courtesy of Tõnu Tunnel

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