The Port of Raahe is the fifth largest international port in Finland. Various break-bulk cargoes, steel products and sawn timber are the main commodities handled in the port. The cargo traffic has increased during the last five years by approximately 1 million tons. There are good regular connections from Raahe to Europe, England, Ireland and the Mediterranean area. About 750 - 800 vessels call at Raahe every year. The dedicated development of the Port of Raahe has produced new quays and warehouses, as well as improved transport connections and cargo handling methods. Some 1.5 million tons of various cargoes are brought to Raahe by rail from Russia, making use of the well functioning transport systems and connections. The electrification of the railways was completed in 2001. The Port of Raahe can, i.a., offer its customers fast door-to-door transports and reliable handling and management of project cargoes. Being close to excellent road and sea transport routes, the Port area offers a good logistic location to the export and import industries. District heating, which for instance can be used to dry sawn timber, is available in the port area at reasonable cost. The Port plans to build more warehousing facilities. The access channel to Raahe will be dredged to a safe draft of 10.0 m in the years 2005-2006.