Kopli freight station to remain key logistics hub despite Tallinn's redevelopment plans

Tallinn's municipal government has been hoping to relocate the Kopli freight station and turn the site into a public space. For now, however, those ambitions have been pushed aside, as the station continues to play a crucial role in regional logistics.

Three times a week, empty rock from Ida-Virumaa is shipped through the Kopli freight station to Pärnumaa for use in the construction of Rail Baltic. Until the Tallinn ring railway is built — its special planning has stalled due to political disagreements — the Kopli station will remain a key link to the Port of Paldiski.

A few weeks ago, Enefit announced that over two years it will supply 800,000 tonnes of crushed stone made from empty rock for Rail Baltic construction. Enefit Industry's logistics unit organises the transport to the Kopli station, after which Operail delivers the material to Pärnu. Currently, one freight train can carry about 1,800 tonnes.

Artur Raichmann, commercial director of Eesti Raudtee, said these transports do not change the overall picture. At best, freight volumes on the Eesti Raudtee network this year will remain at last year's level of 2.87 million tonnes. Freight traffic is still low, and the Kopli station is not being used to its full capacity.

Freight trains travel towards Lääne-Harju at night because of dense passenger traffic during the day. On average, one train heads towards Paldiski and one returns every night. In addition, empty rock is carried three times a week, and it moves under the lowest tariff.

The Kopli freight station covers an area of 160,000 square metres. According to Raichmann, the site could eventually accommodate real estate developments and a green corridor, but an operational railway must also remain. The company plans to optimise costs, remove some of the station tracks and alter the traffic pattern towards the Kopli peninsula. Still, Raichmann stressed there is no initiative to liquidate the freight station.

Tallinn's Deputy Mayor Tiit Terik says that in the distant future — after years or decades — the freight station could be moved outside the city. He points out that the closed-off area breaks the connection between Kalamaja and Pelgulinn. The site sits very close to the city centre and offers huge potential. It could become greener, accommodate new buildings, and possibly extend the green corridor for insects.

At the same time, there are plans to extend passenger railway service to the Kopli peninsula. Elron intends to test the route in autumn. Raichmann notes that the line is single-track, meaning two trains cannot operate there at the same time. Still, the Kopli station could serve as a gateway to both the Kopli and Paljassaare peninsulas.

Terik also said that in Põhja-Tallinn a number of new detailed plans have been approved or are being implemented, which will increase the number of residents in the district. City trains — somewhat more powerful than a tram but not quite like the Tallinn–Tartu train — could appear in Tallinn. However, such a decision would require the involvement of more than just the city and Eesti Raudtee, and it cannot be made in a year or two. The outcome will also depend on whether the Tallinn ring railway is built.