Ferry operator Finnlines has presented its balance sheet for 2023. With growing passenger numbers, the company sees itself on the upswing.
The first of two Superstar-class cargo-passenger ships (RoPax), the “Finnsirius”, has contributed to this. It entered service in mid-September 2023 on the route between mainland Finland, Åland and Sweden[ds_preview].
According to Finnlines, the number of passengers, including truck drivers and private travelers, rose to 695,000 in 2023, an increase of 7%. The number of leisure travelers on Finnlines’ ships increased by more than 17% in 2023. The largest increase was reported on the route between mainland Finland, Åland and Sweden with 49%, followed by the route between Finland and Germany with an increase of 11%.
Finnlines puts new ferry into service
In September 2023, the new RoPax ship “Finnsirius” was put into service on the Naantali-Långnäs-Kapellskär route. The “Finnsirius” is Finnlines’ flagship and was specially designed for the fast route between Finland and Sweden.
The “Finnsirius” offers an improved service and more travel comfort than the previous generation of RoPax ships, according to the shipping company. The ship has numerous cabin categories, ranging from simple compact cabins to cabins for six people and luxurious suites.
Passengers can choose between seven bars and restaurants to dine in. There are conference rooms and lounge facilities, a large duty-free store, a spa with fitness and yoga rooms, activities for children and even two outdoor areas for pets.
“Finncanopus” avoids the Suez Canal for safety reasons
The sister ship of the “Finnsirius”, the “Finncanopus”, was delivered to Finnlines in December and is now on its way to Europe. Originally it was planned to sail through the Suez Canal, but for safety reasons the “Finncanopus” will be leaving the Cape of Good ‘Finnsirius’ was praised and warmly welcomed by the passengers. When the ‘Finncanopus’ arrives in February, passengers will be able to enjoy the same first-class facilities and services on morning and evening departures. Today we can also offer day trips,” says Marco Palmu, Head of Finnlines Passenger Services.
“The current Star-class RoPax vessel, the ‘Finnswan’, will be transferred to our route between Sweden and Germany. This will enable us to improve our passenger services on another important sea route,” says Marco Palmu.
