Finnlines and Port of Långnäs Open New Passenger Terminal to Support Growing Demand

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

Finnlines and the Port of Långnäs have opened a modern new passenger terminal in Åland, enhancing the travel experience on one of the Baltic Sea’s fastest-growing ferry routes.

The €3 million investment supports rising passenger demand on the Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär service operated by the Superstar-class vessels FINNSIRIUS and FINNCANOPUS.

Designed for Growth and Passenger Comfort

Located directly next to the berth, the new terminal shortens walking distances and speeds up boarding and disembarkation.

Key features include:

  • Approximately 500 m² of floor space
  • Modern waiting areas
  • Direct access to the vessels
  • Improved accessibility and barrier-free movement

Passenger numbers on the route have increased significantly since FINNSIRIUS and FINNCANOPUS entered service, confirming the popularity of Finnlines’ premium RoPax offering.

Strengthening Åland’s Tourism Potential

Finnlines sees substantial growth opportunities in Åland and aims to work closely with local stakeholders to improve regional accessibility and tourism appeal.

According to CEO Thomas Doepel, the company wants to be a strong partner for Åland’s tourism and hospitality sectors while continuing to provide reliable transport links.

Strategic Investment in Baltic Connectivity

The terminal forms part of the Port of Långnäs’ long-term development programme. The project strengthens Åland’s role as an important transport hub between Finland and Sweden.

By combining modern infrastructure with high-quality vessels, Finnlines continues to invest in both customer experience and regional connectivity across the Baltic Sea.

Source: Finnlines

Finnlines Reports Stable Q1 Despite Fuel And ETS Pressure

By 2026 Newsletter week 19

Finnlines reported stable first-quarter results despite higher fuel costs and the full implementation of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).

Revenue for January–March 2026 increased to EUR 176.9 million, compared with EUR 166.0 million in the same period last year.

EBIT reached EUR 10.3 million, down slightly from EUR 11.2 million in Q1 2025. Earnings before taxes improved marginally to EUR 8.0 million from EUR 7.9 million, supported by lower financing costs.

Cargo volumes during the quarter included:

  • Approximately 196,000 cargo units
  • 19,000 cars
  • 297,000 tonnes of non-unitised freight

In addition, 162,000 passengers and professional drivers travelled on Finnlines services.

President and CEO Thomas Doepel said the first quarter was marked by “structural volatility” across the shipping sector.

He highlighted the impact of the Middle East conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which triggered major fuel price increases and volatility. Finnlines said the delayed adjustment of its Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) negatively affected short-term profitability.

The company also pointed to the impact of the EU ETS, which from 1 January 2026 requires shipping companies to cover 100% of emissions.

Despite geopolitical uncertainty, Finnlines said it remains committed to maintaining reliable maritime logistics infrastructure for Europe and supporting security of supply in the Baltic Sea region.

The company added that continued investment in more energy-efficient vessels will help reduce emissions and limit exposure to rising energy costs.

Click here to access the report

Finnlines Marks Two Years Malmö–Świnoujście Route with 200,000 Passengers

By 2026 Newsletter week 15

Since launching the Malmö–Świnoujście route on 10 April 2024, Finnlines has transported over 200,000 passengers and drivers.

To mark the two-year milestone, the company will add an extra Saturday evening departure from Malmö on 18 and 25 April, offering two departures on those dates.

Finnlines reports steadily growing demand for the route, which connects southern Sweden and the Copenhagen area with northern Poland and onward access to Germany.

War Impact: Fuel Prices Affect Baltic Operations, Disrupt Corsican Traffic

  • Baltic: Rising fuel prices linked to the Iran war are forcing operators to adapt. Viking Line is reducing speed on Helsinki–Stockholm services from 13 April, with earlier departures and later arrivals to optimise fuel consumption. Tallink Silja has also adjusted schedules on the same route from 1 April.
  • Corsica: Corsican ports were blocked by fishermen from 7 April due to fuel price increases, halting all ferry traffic. The blockade was lifted on 9 April ahead of the holiday period.

Finnlines Back on Track With Strong Passenger Growth

By 2025 Newsletter week 47

Highlights January–September 2025

  • Revenue: EUR 547.1m (2024: 547.2m)
  • EBIT: EUR 74.5m (72.3m)
  • Result for the period: EUR 68.4m (52.1m)
  • Interest-bearing debt reduced to EUR 344m (–EUR 43m)
  • EBITDA: EUR 141.6m, up 1%
  • Passenger revenue: EUR 89.5m, +EUR 7.2m year-on-year

Thomas Doepel, President and CEO:

“The first nine months re-confirm that we are back on track again. Our ro-ro fleet rationalisation and investments in passenger traffic formed the basis of this satisfactory result.”

Cargo volumes totalled 592,000 units, 51,000 cars, and 871,000 tonnes of non-unitised freight, while 831,000 passengers and drivers travelled with Finnlines.

The company continues its long-term commitment to green shipping. In April, Finnlines announced a new investment programme for three methanol-powered RoPax vessels, due to enter service between Finland and Germany in 2028–2029.

Further measures include low-carbon transport solutions, ship electrification, biofuels, and network optimisation.

Finnlines remains focused on strengthening routes between Sweden–Poland, Finland–Poland, and Poland–Belgium/France/UK/Spain, linking to the global Grimaldi Group network.

Financial review click on picture below

Finnlines Passenger Numbers Up 14% in Summer

By 2025 Newsletter week 41
  • Finnlines carried 14% more private passengers between June and August 2025 compared with the same period in 2024.
  • Growth was strongest on the Malmö–Świnoujście route (+38%), which opened in April 2024.
  • Other routes also performed well: Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär (+19%) and Malmö–Travemünde and Helsinki–Travemünde (+4% each).
  • “We are delighted with the results and with the warm reception of our Poland service. We see great potential ahead,” says Marco Palmu, Head of Passenger Services.
  • The success reflects the impact of new routes and modernised vessels, including FINNSIRIUS and FINNCANOPUS, which have enhanced the passenger experience on the Sweden–Finland route.

Finnlines Financial Review January–June 2025

By 2025 Newsletter week 31

Thomas Doepel, President and CEO:

“Fleet rationalisation and investment in passenger traffic are now paying off. Despite a weak freight market, reduced debt and lower interest rates have contributed to significantly better results.”

Key Figures (January–June 2025 vs 2024)

  • Revenue: EUR 351.9m (–2%)
  • EBITDA: EUR 84.5m (+1%)
  • EBIT: EUR 39.9m (+6%)
  • Result for the Period: EUR 36.3m (+50%)
  • Interest-Bearing Debt: EUR 313.7m (–150.4m)
  • Equity Ratio: 57.5% (up from 54.8%)

Operational Highlights

  • Cargo Units: 399,000 (–0.3%)
  • Cars: 37,000 (–21%)
  • Non-Unitised Freight: 584,000 tons (–11%)
  • Passengers (incl. drivers): 439,000 (+7%)

Strategic Developments

  • Green Lane service launched: 100% electric transport (Finland–Sweden) and biofuel use reduce emissions by up to 90%.
  • New RoPax Order: Three methanol-powered vessels for the Finland–Germany route in 2028–2029.
  • New Route: Gdynia added to North Sea rotation in June 2025.

Financial Notes

  • Operating Cash Flow: EUR 70.8m (+18%)
  • Capex: EUR 62.6m (up from EUR 8.8m)
  • Net Gearing: Improved to 41.6% (from 60.8%)

Market Outlook

  • Freight demand remains soft.
  • Passenger business shows strong recovery.
  • Full-year result expected to improve.

Finnlines Refreshes Star-Class Vessels Ahead of Summer 2025

By 2025 Newsletter week 25

Finnlines has completed a major refurbishment of its Star-class freight-passenger vessels FINNSTAR, FINNLADY, and FINNMAID, operating between Helsinki and Travemünde. The upgrades focus on passenger comfort, with newly renovated cafés, lounges, and exterior terraces offering a modern, relaxed atmosphere.

The Vista Lounge now features soft seating and sea-view sofas, while the Café & Terrace area has been updated with new furniture, sheltered teak decking, and a refreshed menu. Interiors have been redesigned with soft blues and natural wood finishes for a calm, seaside feel.

Looking ahead, Finnlines will introduce three new Hansa Superstar-class vessels on the Finland–Germany route between 2028 and 2029. The current Star-class ships will be redeployed elsewhere in the network.

Finnlines Adds Gdynia to its Weekly North Sea Service

By 2025 Newsletter week 24

Starting from week 26, Finnlines will expand its North Sea network by including the Port of Gdynia, Poland in the weekly rotation.

This route offers a cost-effective and practical intermodal alternative to the road transport for goods moving to and from Poland to Belgium, France, the UK, Spain, and Finland. Additionally, it enables to connect Poland directly to the global Grimaldi Group network, offering links to the Far East, the Middle East, Mediterranean, West Africa, South America and the East Coast of the United States.

To support the service expansion, Finnlines is also introducing brand-new 80-foot mafis with embedded rails, specifically designed to facilitate the transportation of non-standard cargo – such as trains and wagons – with greater efficiency and flexibility.

Deltamarin Wins Design Contract for Finnlines’ New Hansa Superstar Class Ropax Vessels

By 2025 Newsletter week 22

Deltamarin has signed a contract with China Merchants Weihai Shipyard to design three new ‘Hansa Superstar’ class RoPax vessels for Finnlines, set to operate on the Finland-Germany route in the Baltic Sea.

Earlier, Knud E Hansen announced that its Interior Design Department has been selected to lead the Interior and Exterior design for four of Grimaldi Lines´s latest vessels.

Finnlines Launches Green Lane – Emissions Cut by Up to 90%

By 2025 Newsletter week 21

Finnlines introduces Green Lane, a new sea transportation service designed to reduce emissions through the use of electricity and biofuels.

Key Points:

  • Launch date: 22 May 2025
  • Two Green Lane options:
    • 100% electric-powered shipments (Naantali–Kapellskär)
    • Biofuel-powered shipments on key Baltic routes

Electric Option:

  • Available on Naantali–Kapellskär route using FINNSIRIUS and FINNCANOPUS
  • Ships equipped with 5 MWh batteries, charged at berth with shore power
  • Enables fossil-free transport for selected freight
  • Despite larger capacity, CO₂ emissions per nautical mile down by 22%

Biofuel Option:

Routes: Naantali–Kapellskär, Malmö–Travemünde, Malmö–Świnoujście, Hanko–Gdynia

  • Biofuels from renewable sources
  • Up to 90% GHG reduction well-to-wake
  • Example: 700 kg CO₂ reduction per trailer (Hanko–Gdynia)

For Passengers:

  • Available on all Finnlines’ passenger routes
  • Emissions offset with renewable biofuels equivalent to passenger volume