Passenger services

The largest ro-pax vessel in the Finnlines fleet, the magnificent Superstar-class freight-passenger vessel, Finnsirius, debuted on the Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route in mid-September 2023.

The vessel was granted the Shippax Ro-Pax Award 2024 in May 2024. The other Superstar, Finncanopus, was delivered in December 2023 and joined the Finnsirius on the same route in February 2024. The two new freight-passenger vessels are an important part of the strategy to offer upgraded services on the route. They have been specifically designed for the unique archipelago route and have capacity for 1,100 passengers.

Helsinki–Travemünde

Three Finnlines’ freight-passenger vessels operate daily between Helsinki and Travemünde, connecting Finland and Germany. Travellers can start their holiday, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the Baltic Sea during a voyage of around 30 hours. For passengers travelling by car, this direct route across the Baltic Sea offers driving passengers savings of up to 1,000 kilometres.

The three identical Star-class sister vessels, Finnstar, Finnlady and Finnmaid, offer comfortable lounges and provide a classy setting to start or end a holiday. Alongside restaurant services, Sailor’s Shop, and children’s play areas, the ships boast amenities such as a gym and saunas with jacuzzis. Each Star-class vessel accommodates up to 550 passengers.

Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär

Finnlines calls Åland four times a day, i.e. two departures to Sweden and two to mainland Finland. Notably, the route stands as the fastest sea connection between southern Finland and Sweden. As from February 2024, the service has been operated by two new Superstar ro-pax vessels, Finnsirius and Finncanopus, performing 28 weekly departures between Naantali and Kapellskär.

Both two Superstar-class vessels have a total of seven bars and restaurants, which range from à la carte dining to quick bytes. A stylish spa, yoga studio, gym, tax-free shop, a lounge area and conference rooms create a comfortable setting for a sea voyage irrespective of the purpose of travel, whether it is work or holiday.

The route also offers cruises, allowing passengers to opt for an overnight cruise or a shorter picnic cruise with a change of ship in Åland.

Malmö–Travemünde

Finnlines’ three daily departures from Sweden to Germany or vice versa provide a convenient alternative for European car travellers. The nine-hour voyage time is ideal, and after a relaxing sea voyage, passengers can feel well-rested and ready to continue their journey.

During 2024, the service on the route was performed by one Star-class vessel and two Hansa-class vessels, which offer passengers a genuine shipboard experience. In response to growing passenger figures, onboard services were upgraded before the summer season. A new bistro-type restaurant was opened on the Star-class Finnswan while new, highly appreciated lounge areas were opened on the Finnpartner and Finntrader.

Malmö–Świnoujście

On April 10, 2024, Finnlines opened a new freight-passenger service between the ports of Malmö, Sweden and Świnoujście, Poland. M/S Finnfellow has been employed on the service and performs a daily departure from each port, from Malmö every morning and from Świnoujście every evening.

The new ro-pax service secures an important trade route on the Southern Baltic Sea corridor and further strengthens Finnlines’ position on the Baltic Sea.

Passenger travel on the upturn

The number of passengers, both professional drivers and private passengers, amounted to 936,000 (695,000 in 2023), an increase of 35 per cent. The number of private passengers went up by more than 49 per cent. The strongest growth took place between Finland and Sweden, 115 per cent, where the number of Swedish travellers increased substantially. Travel on the route between Finland and Germany decreased by 2 per cent. The number of private passengers increased by 2 per cent on the route between Sweden and Germany.

Sustainable Travel

Finnlines was awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland label by Visit Finland in 2021, and the certification was renewed in 2023. The label recognises Finnlines’ long-term work for sustainable values. Finnlines ro-pax services combine passenger and cargo transport and the high utilisation rate of the routes and vessels makes responsible travel possible.

On the Superstar vessels, environmental aspects have been considered throughout the design and construction process, as regards both technical solutions and choice of goods suppliers. Emission-reducing technology includes an air lubrication system under the keel to decrease friction and high-powered batteries, which are charged at berth and generate electricity at sea. An onshore power connection enables zero emissions
during port calls.