Over the past year, the gas terminal Exemplar in Joddböle, Ingå, has been a frequent subject of complaints due to excessive noise. Now, Gasgrid, the company responsible for its operations, has taken action to address these concerns. However, while progress has been made in reducing noise pollution, a new issue has emerged—light pollution, which is now causing frustration among residents and cottage owners in the area.
Efforts to Reduce Noise Pollution
Gasgrid acknowledged last year that the noise levels from Exemplar were significant enough to warrant corrective measures. The most disruptive sources of noise were identified as the ship’s large deck fans and the pressure relief system, which regulates the gas transfer process.
According to Gasgrid’s subsidiary, Floating LNG Terminal Finland, preliminary actions were already taken last summer, including temporarily relocating the pressure relief system away from the ship. Now, as a permanent solution, the pressure relief process is being moved to an onshore compressor station, scheduled to be completed in May.
Additionally, the loud deck fans have recently been enclosed to dampen their noise output. The terminal’s CEO, Satu Mattila, noted that the difference is already noticeable.
“Before the enclosure, you couldn’t even hear what the person next to you was saying when the fans were on. Now, with the enclosure in place, normal conversation is possible even when standing right next to them,” Mattila explained.
To further assess the impact of these measures, follow-up noise measurements will be conducted in the summer. The results will then be compared to previous data, and a new public meeting will be held to discuss the findings.
New Concern: Increased Light Pollution
While the noise problem is reportedly improving, residents in and around Ingå are now voicing complaints about excessive lighting from the port area. According to multiple attendees at a recent community meeting, the nighttime brightness around Joddböle has noticeably increased over the past few months.
Camilla Söderling, a resident of Snappertuna, stated that while the noise has slightly decreased, the light pollution is now more disruptive.
“I joke that soon I won’t even need outdoor lighting at home, despite living six kilometers away. The light levels are much higher than before,” she said.
The company has not confirmed whether the increased lighting originates from Exemplar itself or from the general harbor area. However, Mattila acknowledged that new LED lighting has been installed and emphasized that proper illumination is necessary for safety.
Concerns from Cottage Owners
The permanent population near Joddböle is relatively small, but many cottage owners have complained about disruptions caused by the gas terminal. Tomi Tikka, who has a summer home on Storramsjö opposite the industrial zone, has been particularly affected by the noise.
“There seems to be a big difference between what the decibel meters say and how humans actually perceive the sound,” Tikka remarked.
According to him, the noise isn’t just a low, constant hum; at times, it includes high-pitched whistling sounds.
“It sometimes sounds like the bearings of an old table fan that’s completely worn out,” he added.
Upcoming Maintenance and Temporary Shutdown
During 2024, the Exemplar terminal was visited by 42 gas ships, accounting for 13% of the total maritime traffic in Ingå’s harbor. The Balticconnector pipeline was also out of service from October 2023 to April 2024 due to damage caused by a Hong Kong-registered vessel that dragged its anchor across the seabed.
As part of its maintenance schedule, Exemplar will be temporarily taken out of operation from mid-August to mid-September for dockside servicing.
Final Thoughts
The situation in Joddböle highlights the complex balance between industrial progress and environmental impact. While Gasgrid has made efforts to reduce noise pollution, it remains to be seen how well they hold up under continued operations. At the same time, the rise in light pollution presents a new challenge for local residents.
For now, the debate continues, with many still waiting to see whether further adjustments will be made—or whether this will simply be the new reality for those living near the LNG terminal in Ingå.