Expanding our network and adapting to green regulations

In recent years, Finnlines has navigated through unexpected events that have posed challenges not to mention the current economic development and geopolitical situation. Nevertheless, we have improved our services and renewed our fleet substantially, as a result, we have become stronger – commercially, operationally and financially.

With a population of around 5.6 million, Finland has a small domestic market, but a decline in one geographical area can be compensated by entering new markets. Therefore, Finnlines grows via opening new routes outside Finland. At the same time, the countdown to year 2050 and zero emissions has started. Green transition is no longer a question of ‘if’ but of ‘how’.

Finnlines grows – New routes and ports

During the past few years Finnlines has mostly developed its operations outside Finland as cost-efficient and high frequency liner services and low CO2 emissions give a competitive edge. Today, Finnlines connects over 20 ports across Europe and many of the company’s ships are familiar sights in ports outside the Baltic Sea.

In 2022, Finnlines launched a freight service between Rosslare, Ireland, and Zeebrügge, Belgium. Demand for direct, scheduled freight services from Ireland to Continental Europe grew in the wake of Brexit when truckers got frustrated with delays in UK Channel ports and checks on the traditional landbridge via Britain.

In April 2024, a freight and passenger line was opened between Malmö, Sweden, and Świnoujście, Poland. The Port of Świnoujście has good highway connections to Southern Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and to Southeast Europe. Malmö is the gateway to Scandinavia and via the Öresund Bridge to Denmark and other destinations in the European continent.

In September 2024 Finnlines moved its freight services to and from Britain to the Port of London Medway, which has an ideal location in Sheerness in Kent where connections to the London Metropolitan area and to the rest of the UK are easily available.

Finnlines provides global network to its customers

‘Connectivity’ characterises the new routes and ports as customers are not only offered transport from A to B, but also many further connections. Transit times to reach the Grimaldi Group network in Belgium are short and transshipment in Zeebrügge or Antwerp provides expanded, even global, business opportunities.

Finnlines’ modern, eco-friendly fleet has a large capacity and can carry any type of cargo. Giant-sized vessels bring economies of scale when transports are optimised to achieve the highest possible capacity utilisation, which minimises the environmental footprint per cargo unit.

To comply with stricter environmental standards, Finnlines has sold older vessels, which are not as energy-efficient and competitive as the previous generations. At the same time Finnlines looks ahead
and makes plans for the next generation of vessels.

The path towards zero emissions

The shipping sector must decarbonize and is determined to do it. The ultimate target, shared by EU and IMO, is to become carbon neutral by 2050.

In order to reduce fuel consumption and to cut emissions, shipowners and operators have taken many operational measures over the years, including optimisation of routes, speed, load, and engine mode.
Finnlines has, in addition, introduced new series of ships, but the existing fleet has also been upgraded to improve energy efficiency.

When operational measures are used up, technical investments are necessary. Finnlines has invested over EUR 0.5 billion in its fleet and has adopted a hybrid model for its newbuilds, that is a mix of applications, like solar panels, air lubrication systems, high-powered battery banks and onshore power.

The green transition is not an overnight change, and what is not discussed in public at all is that we will have one of the biggest re-allocation of capital taking place in coming years. The investments which are needed to achieve the green targets are enormous, bigger than we have understood. Therefore, we will most likely have a long transition period ahead of us. Investments on adaptation of new technology and use of new fuels is huge, highly uncertain and capital intensive. Renewable fuels should be clean, reasonably priced and available.

Finnlines will invest in three new ro-pax vessels which will most likely have a dual-fuel solution i.e. use of diesel and an alternative green fuel, like methanol, which would give flexibility. Yet fuels must be available in sufficient volumes in several locations and they must be commercially feasible.

I would like to thank all our customers for their support again during this year and with continued huge investments in green vessels Finnlines will continue to grow together with its customers in a most sustainable way.

Pleasant reading and Happy Holidays!