The new passenger terminal has been given the name Fregatti (Frigate). The decision was made jointly by the City of Turku and the Port of Turku. The name continues Turku’s long-standing ‘F’ theme, which has become familiar from the City’s transportation and other services.
The City of Turku and the region have a strong tradition of names starting with the letter F, such as Föri ferry, Fölläri bikes, Funicular and Music Centre Fuuga. Fregatti (which translates to frigate in Eng-lish) continues this tradition and strengthens the easily recognisable service identity that the citizens of Turku have come to view as their own.
Using the reference to a frigate is a logical, maritime choice for Turku. The history and identity of Turku are strongly linked to the sea and passenger traffic. A frigate is an agile and efficient vessel that sails forth with purpose. The image is suitable for the modern joint terminal and functional hub of transport and travel chains.
“I suspect that the name Fregatti will, like a frigate, sail straight into the hearts of Turku residents – it certainly won me over! The name is a wonderful combination of the past and the future. The museum ship Suomen Joutsen, which is an essential part of the Turku cityscape, is also a frigate. In the future, the Fregatti passenger terminal, standing majestic at the edge of the Linnanniemi area, will usher Tur-ku residents out into the world and welcome guests to our city”, says Piia Elo, Mayor of Turku.
The name Fregatti is clear, easy to remember and visually strong. It also works well in an internation-al operating environment and supports the role of the Port of Turku as an international passenger harbour.
An impressive gate to Finland’s first city
The passenger terminal was designed by PES-Architects Ltd. Their plan, ORIGAMI, won the international architectural competition organised by the Port of Turku Ltd. The terminal is being built by Skanska Talonrakennus Oy.
Built from steel, glass and aluminium, the terminal will be an impressive and modern gateway to Finland’s first city. It is the first glimpse of Turku for tourists and sets the mood for the City sights, experiences and adventures that await – including the neighbouring Turku Castle.
“The name Fregatti perfectly sums up what we are looking to achieve with the new passenger terminal: efficiency, modernity and a strong maritime identity. The name is appropriate, bold and forward-looking, and serves to welcome passengers while also enhancing the appeal of the City far into the future”, says Erik Söderholm, Managing Director of the Port of Turku.
The modern passenger terminal will serve all passenger ships regularly operating in Turku and will extend partly into the passenger harbour area. The objective for the building is to achieve a three-star environmental classification from Rakennustieto, indicating a good level of environmental quality.