Finnlines ro-pax vessels start operation next year, create 200 jobs

Finnlines and the Finnish Seafarers’ Union have reached an agreement, which will ensure that Finnlines’ new Superstar class cargo-passenger vessels, i.e. ro-pax vessels, which will enter traffic in 2023, said Finnlines in a press release on Thursday.

The vessels will operate under the Finnish flag.

The new vessels will offer 200 new permanent jobs and they will also employ a large number of extra crew during the high season.

“Reliable transport of freight and passengers over the Baltic is vital for the Finnish trade, industry and security of supplies. One example of this is that around 90 per cent of the Finnish and Swedish exports and imports are carried seaways. I am pleased with the outcome of the negotiations and that Finnlines’ new Superstar ro-pax vessels will operate under the Finnish flag and employ Finnish seafarers,” said Kenneth Bondas, President of the Finnish Seafarers’ Union.

Reliable transport of freight over the Baltic is vital for the Finnish trade, industry and security of supplies. As an example, around 90 per cent of the Finnish and Swedish exports and imports are carried by ships.

Finnlines is a major employer of seafarers in Finland. Finnlines employs nearly 1,000 seafarers, 700 of them are Finns. The fleet consists of 23 vessels, of which 18 sail under the Finnish flag.

“We highly appreciate the professional skills of Finnish seafarers. At the same time we can guarantee our customers, both passengers and freight customers, a high-quality Finnish product. The Finnish flag ensures superior freight services and the best possible travel comfort. We will launch a new service concept and, to implement it, we will start to recruit crew well in advance,” said Marco Palmu, Head of Finnlines Passenger Services.

The new vessels will enter traffic between Finland, Åland Islands and Sweden on the Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route. The vessels will ensure a more sustainable option for travel and transport of freight. Estimated entry into traffic in autumn 2023.

Both vessels have capacity for 1,100 passengers, which is the double compared with the current vessels on the route. Freight capacity will also increase from around 4,000 lane metres to 5,200. The new ro-pax vessels are part of Finnlines’ EUR 500-million investment programme.