Laituri

Laituri is a Finnish word for a pier or wharf—an artificial structure that extends from land into water to provide access to boats and to moor vessels. Laiturit can be fixed along a shoreline or harbor, or floating platforms anchored by pontoons or piles. They typically have a deck surface, guardrails, ladders or gangways, and fenders to protect vessels.

In construction, laituri can be wooden, concrete, or steel. A fixed laituri rests on piles driven into the bottom; a floating laituri uses pontoons or floats that rise and fall with the water level. They are connected to shore by ramps or gangways and are designed to withstand local weather and ice. Laiturit are used for passenger service, docking, fishing, and small-scale cargo handling.

In Finland, laituri networks are common on lakes and along the Baltic coast. They are seasonal in many areas due to winter ice, and maintenance includes repairs for ice and weather damage, replacement of decking or timbers, and updating fenders. Safety and accessibility requirements apply, including railings, non-slip surfaces, and lighting in public areas.

Historically, wooden piers were common in older towns, with some preserved as part of cultural heritage. Modern harbors often incorporate floating or reinforced concrete structures to meet current standards and to accommodate changing water levels and vessel sizes.