Stable Turnover for Wasaline Despite less Sailings
The 2019 volumes were greatly affected by a 3-week absence of ferry WASA EXPRESS, and the Finnish postal strike.
This meant only 826 departures, compared to 850 in 2018.
Stable €19.6 million turnover
Wasaline, operator of the northernmost year-round ferry line in the world, will take delivery of a modern vessel in spring 2021 to replace their aging workhorse on the route. The new eco-friendly ship will help preserve the Kvarken World Heritage Site where it will operate.
Q2 is the best so far for Wasaline, since the start of operations in 2013.
There is an increase in all segments.
The total revenue increased by 10.8% compared to last year, to EUR 5.3 million.
In June there was a record increase on all segments and revenue increased by 16.4%.
In Q2, Wasaline has added 9.4% more departures to meet the demand.
Wasaline/NLC Ferry Oy Ab is growing, and Jennie Hinz is employed for the new role in the company as Business Development Manager.
Jennie will take the leadership of the Sales team for both the freight and passenger segment.
Last ten years Jennie has worked for Hogia Ferry Systems in different management positions over the years.
Rauma Marine Constructions has signed an agreement with their partner network for the delivery of a power system for the new Wasaline ferry.
The vessel will employ a hybrid power generation system as well as an electric propulsion system rarely used in ro-pax ferries.
Batteries are dimensioned for the vessel’s operation in port without using main engines. The energy storage system is charged from shore power, which is also used for the vessel’s other power needs during the stay at the harbour.
The power for the propulsors is generated by an integrated system solution, which can utilise the dual-fuel engines or the energy storage system chargeable from shore power. The main source of fuel is LNG (or biogas).
The hybrid power solution will be created together with RMC’s technology partner WE Tech Solutions Oy. The main switchboards will be provided by VEO, the propulsion drive system with a novel frequency converter solution will be manufactured by Danfoss/Vacon, the energy storage system with Li-Ion battery packages will be provided by Leclanché, and WEG will manufacture the generators.
The new ferry is scheduled for delivery in April 2021 and it will operate daily between Vaasa and Umeå.
Wasaline increased its operational volume and improved the result for 2018 by 17,4%.
Wasaline increased its market shares on the passenger traffic market between Finland and Sweden 2018, with a new record year again since the traffic start 2013.
Multiple energy saving projects continued during 2018 with investments in frequency converters and different automation systems. Preparations for a battery driven system back up for the auxiliary engines are ongoing and will be finished in 2019
Thanks to these actions, the electricity consumption onboard decreased by 40% and the fuel consumption by 4,5%. The average fuel tonnage price increased by 22% during 2018 but for Wasaline the total fuel expenses increased only by 12,9%.
The ice season 2018 was the most widespread since the start of the traffic in 2013 and the entire Bothnian Bay was covered with ice until March, however, the traffic ran smoothly without any disturbances.
During year 2018, Wasaline ordered a new ferry.
The year 2018 has seen a stable growth for Wasaline, on all segments. It is again a record year.
+8% Passengers (174,865)
+7.3% Cars (39,394)
+1.9% Freight
+2.6% Revenue (€15.8 million)
+8.4% Profit
Concerned about: fuel prices
Wasaline set new records both on the passenger side and on the vehicle
side this summer (June-August).
The figures for January-August shows an increase within all segments:
The booking situation for Autumn looks promising.
Wasaline’s Best Q1 Ever
Wasaline continues to grow with new record volumes for the first quarter of the year and increases its market share between the traffic in Sweden and Finland.
There was an increase of 13.6% on the passenger side, and the turnover increased 10,7%.
Cargo showed new record volumes with an increase of 452 units (+ 12.5%) and transported 18% more freight.
