Finnlines Press Releases

Change of Chairman in Finnlines Plc

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:28:42 GMT

Stock Exchange Release 14 January,2010

Mr. Jon-Aksel Torgersen has today stepped down as the Chairman of Finnlines Plc. Mr. Torgersen will continue his position as Director of the Board of the company.

The Board of Directors, as further today, has appointed Mr. Emanuele Grimaldi as the Executive Chairman of Finnlines Plc.

Finnlines Plc

Board of Directors

DISTRIBUTION NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd

Main media

New services Finland-Sweden-Spain

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:04:15 GMT

PRESS RELEASE, Helsinki 14.12.2009

As from January 2010, Finnlines opens three new ro-ro services:

between Kotka and Gothenburg
between Helsinki and Gothenburg
between Gothenburg and Bilbao

This is increasing the number of lines for rolling cargo in the Finnlines network by 20%.

This new regular liner service will be operated with two modern ro-ro ships, the m/vessels Finnmill and Finnpulp.

The transit time to Bilbao will be about 4.5 days from Finland and three days from Gothenburg. On their northbound voyages the m/vessels Finnmill and Finnpulp are calling the port of Antwerp.

In accordance with this arrangement, Finnlines will be offering additional capacity on the routes between Bilbao and Antwerp as well as between Antwerp and Finland.

“This has to be seen as a strategic cargo orientated innovation in connecting Finland with Sweden and Spain. Being also a logical consequence of introducing in the future the new Finnlines owned ro-ro vessels presently being under construction in China for delivery in 2011-2012” says Uwe Bakosch, President and CEO, Finnlines Plc.

Earlier this year Finnlines started several new ro-pax services to support passenger and cargo demands. In June 2009, the Company introduced a ro-pax service with the Star-class vessels between Poland and Finland, and between Poland and Germany. These vessels call now altogether the ports of Helsinki, Travemünde, Rostock and Gdynia.

In October Finnlines deployed the m/vessel Transeuropa to the TransRussiaExpress service from Lübeck via Helsinki to St. Petersburg allowing to reach this gateway to Russia from all ports of call in the global Grimaldi network.

Further information:

Håkan Modig
EVP, Fleet Management
tel. +358505655254

Staffan Herlin
EVP, Liner Services Marketing and Sales
tel. +358505655257

Finnlines ro-pax ships start calling at Rostock

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:02:56 GMT

Rostock-Gdynia-Helsinki line starts in 2009

Helsinki Oct 22, 2009 - As announced by the company today, Finnlines will include Rostock in its route network operated by Star-class ro-pax vessels. In the last quarter of 2009, the ships currently plying the route from Travemünde via Gdynia to Helsinki will also call at the German port of Rostock. The intention is to operate a regular liner service with two ships, thus connecting all three ports with three weekly sailings.

The Star-class ro-pax ferries will continue their daily sailings from Travemünde to Helsinki where they arrive in 27 hours. As a result of the new service from Rostock, the transit time to Gdynia will shortern considerably. From Gdynia it takes the ships a mere 19 hours to sail to Helsinki.

The new service will enable Finnlines to offer three ports on the Southern Baltic Sea as a gateway for transports to or from Finland: Travemünde as a port for Western Europe, Benelux and western Germany; Rostock for the south-eastern part of Germany and Southern and South-Eastern Europe; and Gdynia for goods flows to and from Poland and Eastern Europe. Consequently, Finnlines' logistics sector customers can optimise their cargo flows to and from Finland by choosing the most suitable port. Passengers will now also have an opportunity to choose the shortest route for their Finland trip and save time and petrol costs. Thanks to the departure from Rostock, a 'short trip' from Germany to Gdynia near Gdansk will shortern considerably and will last only 13 hours. Cultural exchange between Germany and Poland will thus become more convenient and attractive. Finnlines will continue to be the only shipping company that provides a direct connection between Poland and a German port.

"This process-oriented logistical approach will enable us to handle goods flows optimally. The aim of this strategy is to combine cargo flows and our passengers' requirements by offering various ports of arrival and departure", comments Uwe Bakosch, Finnlines' CEO and President. "This will also help us gain the maximum benefit from our ultra-modern Star-class ro-pax vessels. These ships, put in service in 2006 and 2007, are the largest and fastest in their class, and were specifically built for the conditions in the Baltic Sea. On our Star-class vessels we can offer our passengers a great experience: During the voyage, they can relax in the Finnish sauna and the jacuzzi, and enjoy dinner with a sea view and arrive refreshed at their destination", says Uwe Bakosch.

Lloyd's Listin arvostettu palkinto Grimaldi Groupille

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:01:53 GMT

LLOYD’S LISTIN ARVOSTETTU PALKINTO GRIMALDI GROUPILLE

Grimaldi Linesia, Minoan Linesia ja Finnlinesia operoiva italialainen konserni palkittiin maineikkaassa “Cruise & Ferry” – kategoriassa.

Napoli, 16. Syyskuuta 2009 – Italialainen Grimaldi Group -konserni on palkittu Lloyd’s List Global awards –palkinnolla Napolissa syyskuussa ”Cruise & Ferry” –kategoriassa. Tunnustuksen myöntää Lontoossa ilmestyvä uutislehti Lloyd’s List. Sen pyrkimyksenä on kohentaa kompetenssia merenkulun sektorilla.

Grimaldi Group, jonka pääkonttori sijaitsee Napolissa, operoi matkustajaliikennettä kolmen brändin alla: Grimaldi Lines (eteläisellä Välimerellä), Minoan Lines (Adrianmerellä ja Aigeianmerellä) sekä Finnlines (Itä- ja Pohjanmerellä).

Grimaldi Group valittiin vuoden 2009 parhaaksi kansainväliseksi yhtiöksi risteily- ja matkustajalaivasektorilla ”Cruise & Ferries” –kategoriassa. Tuomaristo koostui kymmenestä merenkulun huippunimestä. Muun muassa kansainvälisen merenkulkujärjestö IMO:n pääsihteeri Efthimios Mitropoulos kuului tuomaristoon. Palkinto myönnettiin Grimaldi Groupille matkustajaliikenteen hyväksi tehtyjen investointien sekä matkustajaliikennesektorilla saavutettujen tulosten ansiosta niin kotimaisilla kuin kansainvälisillä reiteillä.

Vuonna 2008 Grimaldi Groupin toiminta oli aktiivista. Se sijoitti yli 300 miljoonaa euroa kahden Välimeren suurimman matkustaja-autolautan, sisarlaivojen Cruise Roman ja Cruise Barcelonan, rakennuttamiseen sekä viimeisteli yrityskaupan Minoan Lines -yhtiöstä. Minoan Lines on johtava operaattori Italian ja Kreikan sekä Kreetan ja Piraeuksen välisessä liikenteessä ja listattu Ateenan Pörssissä. Vuonna 2009 konserni avasi kymmenen uutta reittiä Välimerellä, vahvisti enemmistöosuuttaan Finnlinesista, joka on johtava ropax-operaattori Suomen, Puolan, Saksan, Ruotsin ja Venäjän välisessä liikenteessä. Konserni jatkoi myös uusien risteilylauttojen investointeja Minoan Linesille.

Palkintoseremonia järjestettiin Royal Lancaster –hotellissa Lontoossa syyskuun 8. päivänä.

”Lloyd’s List Global Awards pyrkii antamaan tunnustusta kansainvälisen merenkulun parhaimmistolle liiketoiminnan tuloksellisuuden, aloitteellisuden kuin sitoutumisenkin perusteella” Lloyd’s Listin johtaja Tom Leander korosti.

”Tämä on merkittävä huomionosoitus konsernillemme – kommentoi konsernin toimitusjohtaja Emanuele Grimaldi. Meille on kunnia, että pyrkimyksemme kehittää Euroopan laajuista "matalan kustannuksen" matkustajaliikennetta, joka perustuu uuden sukupolven matkustaja-autolauttojen tarjoamaan huippulaatuun, palkitaan tällä tavalla.

“Palkinto näin vaikeassa kategoriassa, jossa kilpakumppaneina ovat myös risteilijävarustamot, kannustaa meitä edelleen kehittämään kestävää matkustajaliikennettä, niin taloudellisessa kuin ympäristöystävällisessä mielessä”, Grimaldi jatkoi. Espanjan ja Italian välinen matkustajaliikenne kasvoi merkittävästi vuonna 2008 uusien sisaralusten, Cruise Roman ja Cruise Barcelonan aloitettua liikennöinnin Civitavecchia-Barcelona –reitillä. Nyt pyrimme samaan Adrianmeren reiteillä. Minoan Lines asettaa ensi kuussa liikenteeseen uuden Cruise Europa –aluksen, jossa on tilaa 3000 matkustajalle sekä yli 3000 kaistametrin kapasiteetti henkilöautoille, linja-autoille, matkailuautoille sekä rekoille.

Yhteystiedot:
Giovanni Paci: +358 (0) 10 343 44 06, communications@finnlines.com

_______________________

Grimaldi Group operoi yli 120 alusta ja on maailman johtava roro- ja matkustajaliikenneoperaattori. Konserni perustettiin vuonna 1947, ja sen pääkonttori sijaitsee Napolissa. Konsernissa on 8000 työntekijää. Vuonna 2008 yrityksen liikevaihto oli 2,5 miljardia euroa ja se kuljetti 2.8 miljoonaa autoa, 1,6 miljoonaa matkailuvaunua ja TEU:ta ja noin 2,7 miljoonaa matkustajaa. Matkustajaliikenteessä konserni operoi Finnlinesia, joka on johtavia roro- ja matkustajaliikenteen operaattoreita Itä- ja Pohjanmerellä sekä Minoan Linesia, joka on johtava operaattori Italian ja Kreikan välisessä sekä Kreetan ja Piraeuksen välisessä liikenteessä.

Grimaldi Group receives Lloyd's List global award

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:03:07 GMT

Auf Deutsch

På svenska

Po polsku

THE GRIMALDI GROUP RECEIVES THE LLOYD’S LIST GLOBAL AWARD

The Italian Company operating three ferry brands - Grimaldi Lines, Minoan Lines and Finnlines - awarded in the prestigious “Cruise & Ferry” category

Naples, 16h September 2009 - The Grimaldi Group was awarded the first edition of the Lloyd’s List Global Awards in the “Cruise & Ferry” category, a recognition conceived by the daily London newspaper Lloyd’s List and aiming at enhancing excellence in the maritime sector.

The Grimaldi Group, headquartered in Naples, operates in the passenger ferry sector through three brands: Grimaldi Lines (operating West Mediterranean routes), Minoan Lines (operating in the Adriatic Sea and Aegean Sea) and Finnlines (operating Baltic Sea routes).

The Grimaldi Group was chosen as the best global company for 2009 among different operators in the cruise and passenger ferry sectors by a jury made of ten top personalities in the maritime world, among which the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Efthimios Mitropoulos. The jury awarded the Group for the investments made and the results obtained in the passenger sector, both in domestic and international routes.

In 2008, the Group has been particularly active, investing over 300 million euros to build the two biggest cruise ferries of the Mediterranean - the sisterships Cruise Roma and Cruise Barcelona -, and completed the acquisition of the majority shareholding of Minoan Lines, a company listed on the Athens Stock Exchange and leader on the Adriatic routes between Italy and Greece and between Crete and Piraeus. In 2009, the Group opened ten new passengers routes in the Mediterranean, strengthened its controlling participation in Finnlines, a company leader in ro/pax maritime transport between Finland, Poland, Germany, Sweden and Russia, and continued investing in new cruise ferries for Minoan Lines.

The ceremony took place in London last 8th September during a gala evening at the Royal Lancaster Hotel. “The Lloyd’s List Global Awards aim at recognising the elite in the global maritime industry in terms of business performance, initiatives and dedication” underlined Lloyd’s List Director, Tom Leander.

“It is an outstanding result for our Group - noted Emanuele Grimaldi, co-managing director of the Group-. We are honoured that our investment policy to develop an European wide maritime transport for passengers with a “low cost philosophy” based on the comfort ensured by the top quality of the new generation of Cruise Ferries receives this award”.

“The Lloyd’s List Global Awards received in such a difficult category which includes also cruise operators, is a further stimulus to continue improving a sustainable passenger maritime transport, both in economic and environmental terms - Grimaldi continued -. After radically improving maritime transport between Italy and Spain with the introduction, in 2008, of the sisterships Cruise Roma and Cruise Barcelona on the Civitavecchia-Barcelona route, we will do the same on the Adriatic routes, where next month Minoan Lines will launch the Cruise Europa, able to accommodate 3,000 passengers and more than 3,000 linear metres of cars, busses, campers and trucks”.

Contact

Giovanni Paci: +358 (0) 10 343 44 06, communications@finnlines.com

_______________________

The Grimaldi Group operates a fleet of more than 120 ships and is a world leading operator in the transport of cars and ro/ro cargo. Established in 1947, the Group is headquartered in Naples and has 8,000 employees. In 2008, it registered a turnover of € 2.5 Billion and transported 2.8 million cars, 1.6 million trailers and TEUs and about 2.7 million passengers. In the passenger sector, the Group controls Finnlines, leader in ro/ro transport in the Baltic Sea and Minoan Lines, the greek ferry operator leader in the Adriatic Sea and on the route between Piraeus and Crete.

FL Port Services and the Finnish Seamen's Union sign collective labour agreement. Strike announced at Vuosaari cancelled.

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:32:58 GMT

FL PORT SERVICES AND THE FINNISH SEAMEN´S UNION SIGN COLLECTIVE LABOUR AGREEMENT. CANCELLED THE STRIKE ANNOUNCED AT VUOSAARI

Helsinki, 14 September 2009 - The Finnish Seamen’s Union and the Finnlines Group have successfully resolved the dispute concerning the company FL Port Services Oy, for which a collective labour agreement has been signed. As a result, the Finnish Seamen’s Union has cancelled the strike period in program at the port of Helsinki-Vuosaari starting on Wednesday, 16 September.

A subsidiary of Finnlines Plc, FL Port Services Oy provides to the Port of Helsinki mooring, unmooring, supply of water, and garbage services. In addition the company provides, within the Vuosaari port area, transportation services for crew and passengers to and from the vessels.

The collective labour agreement covers 20 sea technical employees of FL Port Services Oy working at the Vuosaari port in Helsinki. The collective labour agreement is in force until 29.2.2012. The structure of the agreement and the expected increase of salaries follow the industry level.

The President and CEO of Finnlines Plc, Uwe Bakosch, said: “We are pleased to have finalised this important negotiation that safeguards the smooth continuity of the activities at Vuosaari in difficult times of the economy. I would sincerely like to underline the very positive partnership approach undertaken by the parties involved. In addition, I am very confident that we will be jointly able to further increase our productivity in strengthening the future success of Vuosaari Port also with focus on the lucrative transit potential to third countries."

The President of the Finnish’s Seamen's Union, Simo Zitting said: “The collective bargaining was conducted in a good and constructive spirit. We believe that the result we accomplished forms a good basis for developing future cooperation. In addition, we do believe that with this solution, we established roots for developing further the employment and working conditions of the sea technical employees which in turn benefits all the parties involved."

Contacts:

Finnlines / FL Port Services	Finnish Seamen’s Union
Giovanni Paci Head of Corporate Communications, Finnlines Phone: +358 (0)50 565 4406 communications@finnlines.com	Simo Zitting President Phone: +358 (0)9 6152 0250 simo.zitting@smu.fi

Small Fire Extinguished on MS Finnfellow

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:32:48 GMT

Helsinki, 29 August 2009 - A small fire started today on the shop storage area onboard the MS Finnfellow while the ship was on her way from Naantali (Finland) to Kapellskär (Sweden). The fire was quickly extinguished by the crew. Nobody was injured and none of the 30 crew and the 37 passengers onboard has been in any dangers.

The MS Finnfellow is continuing on her route to Kapellskär where she is expected to arrive at 16:30 hours Central European Time (CET)

The fire started at 14:45 hours CET for unknown reasons in a storage room linked to the onboard shop. It was extinguished at 15:21 hours CET.

As a precautionary measure the 37 Passengers onboard were invited to go on the external deck while the fire extinguishing operations were successfully carried out.

An internal investigation is already undergoing to determine the reasons for which the fire started.

The MS Finnfellow is operated by FinnLink, a subsidiary of Finnlines. The Ro/Pax ship was built in the year 2000, she is registered in Sweden and has Swedish crew.

For further information:

Giovanni Paci
+358 (0)50 565 4406
communications@finnlines.com

Finnlines' Second Quarter 2009 Results

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:18:10 GMT

FINNLINES PLC REPORTS Q2 2009 RESULTS

Revenues €124.4 millions; EBITDA €15 millions; Operating Cash Flow €7.1 millions. Improvement in earnings expected to continue for the remaining part of the year

Helsinki, 30 July 2009 – Finnlines Plc reported second quarter results for the period 1 April – 30 June, 2009 with revenues at € 124.4 millions (-37.5% compared to the same period of 2008); Profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) at € 15 millions (€ 32.4 millions in Q2 2008)

Finnlines plc second quarter (Q2) results mark a substantial improvement compared to the first quarter (Q1)of 2009. In particular:

Revenues were € 124.4 million, up 5.9% from the previous quarter
Profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was € 15 millions, that is a significant increase from the € -0.2 million reported in Q1
Cashflow from operating activities was € 7.1 million in the April-June period, with and improvement of € 21.2 million from Q1, when the cash flow was negative € -14.1 million

These improvements were achieved despite the market has shown no sign of recovery during the second quarter being the first result of a deep restructuring started when Mr. Emanuele Grimaldi, member of the Finnlines Board, assumed the role of temporary President and CEO. Mr. Grimaldi was temporary President and CEO from 24 March until the end of June when Mr. Uwe Bakosch has taken up the President and CEO post.
During the first quarter, Finnlines has done a lot of changes in different routes in order to optimize the utilization of its fleet. This includes the launch of new lines for passengers and ro-ro cargo between Finland and Poland (Helsinki-Gdynia-Helsinki) and Poland and Germany (Gdynia-Travemunde-Gdynia).

Furthermore a number of actions have been taken to reduce the surplus of tonnage while a broad cost cutting action has been started across the company. At the same time, the sale of non-core assets has been commenced. Positive results have been achieved in a very short time, but the work is not finished yet. The Group has also started a significant process of re-organisation of its corporate structure aimed at achieving a better efficiency and and higher cost effectiveness. This involves the merge of various group companies.

Outlook for 2009

The market conditions are supposed to remain weak for the rest of the year. However, the company will benefit from the continuing measures of cost-efficiency, from synergies at Group level, from chartering out excessive tonnage and redelivery of chartered tonnage by the end of the year. The savings from these actions will mostly emerge in the remaining part of 2009. The Company expects that the improvement in earnings which has taken place in the second quarter compared to the first quarter will continue for the remaining part of the year.

Commenting on second quarter results, Finnlines plc President and CEO Uwe Bakosch, said: "We were pleased with the quarterly operating results in light of the current economic environment. During the quarter, Finnlines has taken a lot of steps which are starting to produce the first positive results: the substantial improvement of the Profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) and the Cash Flow compared to the first quarter indicates that the company is on the right path. A lot remains to be done but we expect that the improvement in earnings will continue for the remaining part of 2009” .

FINNLINES KEY FIGURES

EUR million	Q2 2009	Q1 2009	H1 2009	H1 2008	Full 2008
Net Revenue	124.4	117.4	241.8	384.0	735.7
EBITDA	15.0	-0.2	14.9	60.3	98.1
EBIT	-0.3	-16.0	-16.4	31.5	35.4
% of revenue	-0.3	-13.7	-6.8	8.2	4.8
EBT	-7.1	-26.6	-33.7	16.2	-3.2
Profit / loss for the period	-8.0	-21.0	-29.0	13.5	1.0
EPS, (EUR)	-0.21	-0.52	-0.72	0.33	0.01
ROE, %	-7.3	-19.2	-13.2	6.1	0.2
ROI, %	0.0	-4.7	-2.4	5.5	2.9
Gearing, %	192.6	206.7	192.6	189.1	205.5
Equity ratio,%	28.6	28.5	28.6	29.2	28.5

EBITDA = Profit before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation

EBIT = Profit before interest and taxes

EBT =Profit before taxes

Finnlines launches new Malmö-Travemünde Passenger Service

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:48:47 GMT

Finnlines launches new Malmö-Travemünde Passenger Service

Three departures per day, ferries featuring 190 large cabins and amenities, bus transfers tot he Malmö Railway Station for walking passengers; prices from SEK 270 per person, one way.

Malmö, 13 July 2009 ‐ Ferry Baltic leader Finnlines announced the extension of its new, successful passenger concept to the Malmö‐Travemünde route. The service offers three departures per day (except Mondays, 2 departures). The 9‐hour sailing is served by ferries featuring 190 spacious cabins each as well as amenities for passengers.

The Finnlines’ Malmö‐Travemünde ferry line is the only one to Germany that comfortably depart from the very centre of Malmö. As from today, 13 July, in addition to passengers travelling with their cars, motorbikes or campers, the service is also opened to foot‐passengers. This new opportunity for the citizens of Malmö and the entire South Sweden has been made possible also thanks to Copenhagen Malmö Port AB that has organised bus transfers to and from the Railway Station of Malmö in conjunction with arrival and departure of all of the Finnlines ferries.

Especially attractive Summer Prices have been introduced starting from 270 SEK per person one/way (footpax, daytrip, no cabin). Rates for couples and families start from 675 SEK (2 pax + car) and 825 SEK (4 pax + car). This corresponds at a 25% reduction on normal ticket cost. Bookings and info: www.finnlines.com or Call Center (Sweden) 0771 340 900 and (Germany) is 04502 805 43.

Through its subsidiary Rederi AB Nordö‐Link operating the Malmö‐Travemünde route for ro‐ro cargo only, Finnlines has historically supported the local economy by making available a unique tool to Southern Sweden’s importers and exporters. Since last year NordöLink started a pilot project to enlarge the trades to passengers but this has been made a reality only now, under the Finnlines brand and a new management who brings in a strong passenger culture and know-how. Finnlines will therefore be the passenger ferry brand for the Malmö‐Travemünde, while for the time being NordöLink will carry on ro‐ro cargo business.

The three vessels operating Finnlines’ Malmö‐Travemünde route are the MS Finnpartner, MS Finntrader and MS Finneagle. The first two are Hansa‐class vessels, recently converted to better suit the Malmö‐Travemünde traffic by adding 150 cabins each. Their total number of passenger cabins is 190. They feature a spacious Passenger Lounge on deck 6, with a bar, kid’s corner, outdoor sun‐deck and a big sauna area with swimming pool and jacuzzi. Size of the outside A‐cabins is 20 square meters, which no competitor on the South Sweden/Germany trade can offer. The m/s Finneagle is instead a Clipper class vessel, identical to 2 operating on Kapellskär-Naantali.

Through its subsidiary FinnLink, in fact, Finnlines also operates the Kapellskär – Naantali ferry line that has so far been mainly focused on ro‐ro traffic. This is set to change too as in the short term future Finnlines’ Kapellskär – Naantali product will be redesigned to better suits and attracts passengers.

The enforcement of the new Finnlines passenger concept in Sweden follow similar developments recently completed on the trades between Finland and Poland (Helsinki‐Gdynia), Poland and Germany (Gdynia‐ Travemünde), Finland‐Germany (Helsinki‐Travemünde)

Mr. Uwe Bakosch, President and CEO of Finnlines said: “The opening of a full scale 3‐times‐a‐day passenger service, the only one between Malmö and Travemünde is indeed a major development for the entire South of Sweden. What Finnlines offers is a unique, economically convenient, new mean of transport for passengers living in the region of Malmö. Passengers have now the possibility to enjoy short breaks and weekends in Germany at very convenient prices. At the same time the new service will support the Swedish economy by bringing here tourist flows from Germany and the whole Central Europe. Finally, I wish to thank Copenhagen Malmö Port AB (CMP) for their co‐operation in making possible the use of Finnlines’ ferry service to foot‐passengers too.

"We are very satisfied that Finnlines is developing its business in our port and now extends the passenger service to Travemünde, especially when the City of Malmö and our company are investing 900 million SEK in new port terminal facilities for the long term ferry traffic, etc”, says Lennart Pettersson, Deputy Managing Director of CMP.

"We are very positive to Finnlines concept for passenger traffic, it increases Malmö's accessibility. The German market is one of our largest markets and we have approximately 40 000 German guest nights each year. That means that Germans are the largest group of international hotel guests in Malmö", says Katarina Olsson, Project manager, Malmö Tourism board.

For additional information: press@finnlines.com

Finnlines Passenger Services

Kaj Takolander, Executive Vice President, Passenger Services
kaj.takolander@finnlines.com
Tel:+35810343 4429

Malmö Neuartiger Passagierservice.pdf

PM Malmö Neuartiger Passagierservice.pdf 432.54 kB

Picture of m/s Finntrader

About Finnlines

Finnlines is a leading shipping operator of ro‐ro and passenger services in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. Listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finnlines is a part of the Grimaldi Group, one of the world's largest operators of ro‐ro vessels and the largest operator of Motorways of the Sea in Europe for both passengers and freight. Based in Naples, Italy, the Grimaldi Group recorded a 2008 turnover of 2.5 billion Euros and operates 120 vessels. In addition to Finnlines, it also comprises the following brands: Grimaldi Lines (Italy), Atlantic Container Line (Sweden), Minoan Lines (Greece), Malta Motorways of the Sea (Malta).

In Sweden, the Grimaldi Group employees hundreds of people; in addition to owning ACL (headquartered in Gothenburg) and Finnlines (based in Malmö and Kapellskär) it also owns the Port of Wallhamn and is represented by Grimaldi Maritime Agencies Sweden, based in Gothenburg.

A Successful Debut for the Helsinki-Gdynia-Travemünde Line

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:18:41 GMT

12,000 passengers and 3,000 commercial vehicles booked in one month

Helsinki, 8 July, 2009 ‐ The new Finnlines’ Motorways of the Sea for cargo and passengers linking Finland, Poland and Germany inaugurated on 2 June 2009 have proven to be successful since their very debut.

In only one month, in fact, the Helsinki/Gdynia/Travemünde connection has attracted about 12,000 passengers who have booked for travelling until 31 August, with some 5,000 of these who have already sailed in June taking advantage of the very competitive low cost fares launched by Finnlines to support the start‐up. Additionally, in the first month of operation there have been booked some 3,000 commercial vehicles with drivers and cars. In addition steady flow of existing trailers is being transported.

Both the Helsinki‐Gdynia and Gdynia/Travemünde services feature three departures per week in each direction. Transit time is extremely convenient indeed: less than 19 hours between Gdynia and Helsinki and only 15 hours to link Gdynia and Travemünde. These two services are both really unique: the Helsinki/Gdynia line is in fact the only passenger service between Poland and Finland while the Gdynia/Travemünde is the first Motorways of the Sea between Poland and Germany: a relaxing, safe, cost effective and environmentally friendly infrastructure to reduce the pollution, risks for drivers and cargo as well as congestion on Europe’s motorway network.

“The first, positive, results of the new Helsinki/Gdynia/Travemünde line shows that forward thinking allows for new innovation and creates possibilities to generate new business even in a difficult economic environment”, said Uwe Bakosch, the new Finnlines President and CEO “It is also important to underline the good response to the new competitive low cost concept for passengers that Finnlines has been focusing on for the last few months”, he noted.

The quality of the ships is a key to deliver a superior service for both cargo and passengers. The Helsinki/Gdynia and the Gdynia/Travemünde routes are performed by the ‘Star Class’ ferries, the world’s largest Ro/Ro passenger ferries: MS Finnstar, MS Finnmaid, MS Finnlady, MS Europalink, MS Nordlink. These ships are five identical huge Super A Ice‐Class ferries built in 2006 and 2007 being able to transport up to 4,200 lane metres of trucks, trailers and busses as well as 110 cars and up to 500 passengers in 200 passengers cabins. With a length of 218 metres and a width of 30.5 metres, the Star Class ships have a 25‐knot speed.

On each ship up to 500 passengers can enjoy the sea trips relaxing, having fresh and tasty buffet‐meals in the restaurant, a drink in the Bar Navigare or a coffee and sandwich in the Café Verde and enjoying a fantastic sea‐view whilst travelling. The saunas separate for men and women, are both equipped with Jacuzzis also allowing for a fantastic sea‐view whilst relaxing. The 200 passenger cabins have a size ranging from 10 to 38 square metres and are equipped with TV and modern bathrooms. Meals can be purchased in advance as a package for the entire trip or onboard, paying each time for single meal.

For additional information: www.finnlines.com or mail to: press@finnlines.com (preferably in English)

Finnlines Passenger Services
Kaj Takolander, E. V. Pres., Passenger Services
kaj.takolander@finnlines.com
Tel: +358 10 343 4429

Finnlines Freight Services
Staffan Herlin, E. V. Pres., Mark. & Sales
staffan.herlin@finnlines.com ‐ Tel: +358 10 343 5257

About Finnlines;
Finnlines is a leading shipping operator of ro‐ro and passenger services in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. Listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finnlines is a part of the Grimaldi Group, one of the world's largest operators of ro‐ro vessels and the largest operator of Motorways of the Sea in Europe for both passengers and freight. Based in Naples, Italy, the Grimaldi Group has a turnover of 2.5 billion Euros and operates 120 vessels. In addition to Finnlines, it also comprises the following brands: Grimaldi Lines (Italy), Atlantic Container Line (Sweden) Minoan Lines (Greece), Malta Motorways of the Sea (Malta).

Finnlines starts Motorway of the Sea line Poland – Germany (Info auch auf Deutsch)

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:02:23 GMT

Diese Info auf Deutsch

Finnlines starts Motorway of the Sea line Poland – Germany

From Travemünde to Gdynia v.v, only 15 hours and 250 Euros per truck/trailer, all included

Lübeck, 4 June 2009 – Shipping operator Finnlines has strengthened its Motorways of the Sea network in the Baltic by adding a new, three-times-a-week regular line for freight and passengers between Travemünde and Gdynia (Poland).

Opening of the Travemünde / Gdynia service – that is the first Motorway of the Sea between Germany and Poland - is a big step forward towards a safer, more efficient, less expensive and highly environmentally friendly system of transport. With a 15-hour transit time, this sea link is indeed competitive with the all-road route while being much cheaper: Finnlines’ Ecobonus fare is only 250 Euros per lorry / trailer, bunker surcharge and the meals for drivers included.

Departures from Travemünde are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays at 16:00 hours with arrival in Gdynia the next day at 07:00 hours. Departures from Gdynia are on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday at 17:00 hours with arrival in Travemünde the next day at 08:00 hours.

The line is served by the well known Star – Class Ro/Pax ferries - five huge Ice Class 1A Super ferries built in 2006 and 2007 and able to transport at a a 25-knot speed up to 4,200 lane meters of trucks, trailers, busses and other cargo as well as 110 cars and 500 passengers in 200 cabins.

The deployment on these superior ferries on the routes between Germany and Poland is a huge step forward for the Central European transport network since it creates an alterative to the all-road option. Finnlines’ Motorways of the Sea concept is line with the European Union strategy to ease congestion on European roads while cutting CO2 emissions.

“Transport operators and industrial companies in Germany, Poland and Eastern Europe can take advantage of the superior characteristics in terms of speed, cost and low pollution of the innovative Travemünde – Gdynia link” stressed Staffan Herlin, Finnlines Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales. “This is a safer, cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative for trucks than driving along congested highways between the two countries. We believe together with Finnlines’ quality and care for the costumers this will have an impact in helping to steer a change from road to sea in the transport systems of logistics and industrial operators “ he said.

Finnlines

press enquiries to: press@finnlines.com

High resolution pictures are available inside the Press and News section of the Company website on: www.finnlines.com

Information and Booking Germany and Poland:

Germany:
phone +49(0)451 1507 500
fax +49(0)451 1507 577
email sales.de@finnlines.com

Customer service/Cargo
phone +49(0)451 1507 200
fax +49(0)451 4085 421
email customer.service.de@finnlines.com

Poland:
phone +48(0)58 627 4427
fax +48(0)58 627 4427
email sales.pl@finnlines.com

Customer service/Cargo
phone +48(0)58 627 4239 – 4456 - 4317
fax +48(0)58 627 4249
email customer.service.pl@finnlines.com

Information and Booking Passengers:

Finnlines-Passagierdienst
Telefon: +49 (0)4502 - 805 - 43
e-Mail: passagierdienst@finnlines.com

Online bookings: www.finnlines.com

Note for the Editors

Finnlines is a leading shipping operator of ro-ro and passenger services in the North Sea and in the Baltic Sea. It offers 10 departures a week from Travemünde to Helsinki, 20 departures a week from Travemünde to Malmoe, 3 departures a week from Travemünde to Gdynia; 2 departures a week from Lübeck to St. Petersburg.

Listed on the NASDAQ Omx Helsinki, Finnlines is headquarters in Helsinki and is a part of the Grimaldi Group of Italy, one of the world's largest operators of ro-ro vessels and the largest operator of Motorways of the Sea in Europe for both passengers and freight. The Grimaldi Group also comprises Grimaldi Lines, Atlantic Container Line (Sweden) Minoan Lines (Greece), Malta Motorways of the Sea (Malta)

Finnlines to open superior ferry services from Poland

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:47:42 GMT

Finnlines to open superior ferry services from Poland

Speed, Comfort and Low Cost! Helsinki /Gdynia in 19 hours, Gdynia / Travemünde in 15 hours

Fares from 39 Euros per passenger and 250 Euros per truck/trailer. Three times per week.

Gdynia, 1 June, 2009 ‐ Finnlines and the Port Authority of Gdynia have disclosed details of two new, fast, reliable and comfortable Motorways of the Sea services for cargo and passengers due to be opened as from tomorrow between Poland and Finland (Gdynia ‐ Helsinki) and between Poland and Germany (Gdynia‐ Travemünde).

Each of the links has three departures per week in each direction with arrival and departure to/from Gdynia scheduled on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Transit time is extremely convenient indeed: less than 19 hours between Gdynia and Helsinki and only 15 hours to link Gdynia and Travemünde.

The new set of Finnlines services are really unique: while reintroducing a passenger trade between Poland and Finland – that for the first time ever will be funnelled on the Helsinki/Gdynia route ‐, the Company has also launched what is the first and only Motorways of the Sea between Poland and Germany; a relaxing, safe, cost effective and environmentally friendly infrastructure to reduce the pollution, risks for drivers and cargo as well as congestion on Europe’s motorway network

“The process that has lead to the opening of the line has been particularly fast thanks to the constructive approach of the Port Authority of Gdynia , stressed Wojciech Kepczynski, Managing Director of Finnlines Poland. and continued: "For this we want to thank the President, Mr Janusz Jarosinski and the management of the Port Authority. We look forward to make Gdynia one of Finnlines’ most important ports in the whole Baltic”

The President of Port of Gdynia Authority, Mr. Janusz Jarosinski said: "We welcome with great pleasure in the Port of Gdynia the new vessels and services of Finnlines. The launch of these passenger and cargo connection create an opportunity for the first real Motorway of The Sea from Polish ports. We believe, that Finnlines' new service will allow for further development of Polish foreign trade with the other European Union member states. The Port of Gdynia warmly invites passengers wanting to explore Finland or make the journey to Western Europe more relaxing and pleasant. The Port of Gdynia Authority declares that it is planning a further development of infrastructures in order to better serve Finnlines’ trades and continuing mutually beneficial cooperation", concluded Mr. Jarosiński.

Quality First

These ships are five identical huge Super‐Ice‐Class ferries built in 2006 and 2007 and able to transport up to 4,200 lane metres of trucks, trailers and busses as well as 110 cars and 500 passengers. With a length of 218 metres and a width of 30.5 metres, the Star Class ships have a 25‐knot speed. Their deployment on the routes to and from Poland is a huge step forward for Finnlines and for the Port of Gdynia.

On each ship up to 500 passengers can enjoy the sea trips in full relax, having fresh and tasty buffet‐meals in the restaurant, a drink in the Bar Navigare or a coffee and sandwich in Café Verde. The saunas, separate for men and women, are both equipped with Jacuzzis. The 200 passenger cabins have a size ranging from 10 to 38 square metres and are equipped with TV and modern bathrooms. Meals can be purchased in advance as a package for the entire trip or onboard, paying each time for the single meal.

Low Cost

Comfort, speed and large transport capacity are crucial to guarantee the quality of the services supplied. Finnlines offers them all with an additional advantage: Finnlines is taking the low cost concept at sea. Fares are exceptionally convenient for trailer, truck and passengers alike: the June Introduction Offer has

prices starting from 39 Euros per person one way to Travemünde and from 69 Euros per person to Helsinki. During the whole summer period the 50 firstly booked cars (up to six meters) per each departure of the ships are free of charge, all the other passenger vehicles are granted 50% discount.

Booking is easy

General Sales Agent in Poland for Finnlines’ Passenger Services is Orbis Travel. Finnlines tickets can be booked and purchased on‐line on www.finnlines.com or at all the Orbis Travel offices and Orbis Travel Agents through Poland.

“The launch of the Helsinki/Gdynia passenger service, with the first ship arriving at Gdynia on 3 June at 3pm is a milestone for both Finnlines and the Port of Gdynia", underlined Kaj Takolander, Executive Vice President, Passenger Services at Finnlines. "After many years, in fact, the route between Poland and Finland has been opened again to passenger traffic and now offers a fantastic opportunity to travellers and tourists. Passengers from Poland will find our schedules extremely convenient”, Takolander said. “It is possible, for example, to book a return trip, make a small cruise and enjoy a full day in the destination, both in Helsinki and in Travemünde without need of a local accommodation” he concluded.

Freight Traffic

The new services bring huge advantages and provide excellent opportunities to transport operators and industrial companies both in Finland and in Eastern/Central Europe. The superior characteristics in terms of speed, cost and low pollution of the Helsinki ‐ Travemünde link represent a more convenient alternative for trucks that today are driving west or northbound. Boarding the vessels in Gdynia when the final destination is Helsinki – or vice versa ‐ means saving up to 1,000 km of driving, cutting emissions of CO2 and avoiding any risk of driving along busy roads. Furthermore Gdynia is strategically located with its economic hinterland in Central and Eastern Europe.

Finnlines previously operated a ro‐ro service linking Helsinki and Gdynia with a transit time of 26 hours and a total weekly transport capacity of 14.000 lane metres of cargo and 96 drivers. Now the service is operated three‐times‐a‐week, the transit time is cut by 30% to less than 19 hours and the weekly transport capacity is up by 80% to 25,200 lane metres of cargo, 660 cars and 3,000 passengers.

“We have indeed made the step forward that our transportation and industrial customers in Poland, Finland and most of the Central and Eastern Europe had always asked us: a fast, frequent, reliable connection between Poland and Finland, said Staffan Herlin, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales. The quality of the ships is fantastic and the new service offers the possibility to board trucks and lorries too in addition to trailers”.

As for the first ever Motorway of the Sea between Poland and Germany, Herlin noted that: “The innovative Gdynia‐Travemünde link aims to offer a safer, cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to the land route connection between the two countries. To underline how unique this service is Finnlines has launched the ‘Ecobonus fare’ for trucks and lorries: only 250 Euros all included between Germany and Poland”.

Sailing schedules

Northbound Schedule: Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday the Finnlines ferries leave Travemünde at 16:00 to arrive in Gdynia, after a relaxing night at sea, at 7:00 the next morning. Departure from Gdynia to Helsinki is on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 11:00 and arrival, less than 19 hours later, is at 7:00 in the morning. Southbound Schedule: The ferries depart from Helsinki every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 20:30; arrival in Gdynia is at 15:00 the next day. Departure for Travemünde is two hours later, at 17:00; arrival at the German port is scheduled 8:00 the next morning.

For additional information, please mail to:

press@finnlines.com (preferably in English),

www.finnlines.com

Finnlines Poland

Mr. Wojciech Kepczynski, Managing Director, Finnlines Polska CO, Ltd

Email: wojciech.kepczynski@finnlines.com

Tel: +48 58 627 4227

Finnlines Passenger Services

Mr Kaj Takolander, Executive Vice President, Passenger Services

Email: kaj.takolander@finnlines.com

Tel: +358 10 343 4429

Finnlines Freight Services

Mr. Staffan Herlin, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales

Email: staffan.herlin@finnlines.com

Tel: +358 10 343 5257

Note for the Editor:

Finnlines is a leading shipping operator of ro‐ro and passenger services in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. Listed on the NASDAQ Omx Helsinki, Finnlines is a part of the Grimaldi Group, one of the world's largest operators of ro‐ro vessels and the largest operator of Motorways of the Sea in Europe for both passengers and freight. Based in Naples, Italy, the Grimaldi Group has a turnover of 2.5 billion Euros and operates 120 vessels. In addition to Finnlines, it also comprises the following brands: Grimaldi Lines, Atlantic Container Line (Sweden) Minoan Lines (Greece), Malta Motorways of the Sea (Malta).

Finnlines Plc's Prospectus approved

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:39:55 GMT

Finnlines Plc's prospectus approved

Finnlines Plc's Rights Issue

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:38:41 GMT

Finnlines Plc's Rights Issue

Finnlines starts superior services to Poland and Germany

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:41:30 GMT

Finnlines starts superior services to Poland and Germany

· Fast, convenient and reliable solutions for freight and passengers

· 19 hours between Helsinki and Gdynia. Passengers start at 69 euros + first 50 cars free

· 15 hours between Gdynia and Travemünde. Passengers start at 39 euros + first 50 cars free

· Ten sailings-a-week on the Helsinki/Travemünde backbone

Helsinki, 2 June, 2009 - Finnlines has started today a new set of services with upgrading others on its Hansalink ro-ro passengers network, linking Finland, Poland and Germany. The two new fast, reliable and comfortable Motorways of the Sea services for cargo and passengers have both a three-times a week frequency on each directions and connect Helsinki and Gdynia, in Poland, and Gdynia and Travemünde.

At the same time, the Helsinki - Travemünde service, that is a backbone for the Finnish economy, has been upgraded to 10 departures per week on each direction. Departures are every day, except Sunday at 18:00 hours, with a transit time of 27 hours, on Sunday at 15.00 hours with a transit time of 30 hours and on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 20:30 with a transit time of 36 hours.

Pricing on the new services is very competitive and convenient. Schedules have been conceived in order to have departures and arrival at identical hours in order to make it easier any planning for both industrial customers and passengers. All the three routes part of the Hansalink Network are served by the well known Star-Class Ro/Pax ferries: MS Finnstar, MS Finnmaid, MS Finnlady, MS Europalink, MS Nordlink.

· Helsinki – Gdynia: 19 hours, from 69 Euros per person

For the first time ever Finnlines is introducing superior Ro/Pax ferries between Finland and Poland and the transit time is less of 19 hours. This brings huge advantages, and provide new opportunities for the development of the tourism and of the economy as a whole.

Departures from Helsinki are every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 20.30 hours.

Passengers

Pricing on the Helsinki - Gdynia link is really convenient: until June 30 passengers pay 69 Euros only. Throughout the summer, the first 50 passengers vehicles booked (up to 6 meters long) will be totally free of charge. All the other passenger vehicles will be granted a 50% discount.

“The launch of the Helsinki - Gdynia and Gdynia - Travemünde passenger services, is a milestone for Finnlines", underlined Kaj Takolander, Executive Vice President, Passenger Services at Finnlines. "After many years, in fact, the route between Poland and Finland has been opened again to passenger traffic and now offers a fantastic opportunity to travellers and tourists. At the same way, the route between Germany and Poland provide tourists a safer, more relaxing style of travelling than driving along the busy and dangerous motorways. Passengers will find our schedules extremely convenient”, he said.

Cargo

Transport operators and industrial companies both in Finland and in Eastern/Central Europe can take advantage of the superior characteristics in terms of speed, cost and low pollution of the Helsinki – Gdynia link that now represents a more convenient alternative for trucks than driving along the ‘via baltica’.

Boarding the vessels in Gdynia when the final destination is Helsinki – or vice versa - means saving up to 1,000 km of driving, cutting emissions of CO2 and avoiding any risk of driving along busy roads. Furthermore Gdynia is strategically located with its economic hinterland in Central and Eastern Europe.

“We have indeed made the step forward that our transportation and industrial customers in Poland, Finland and most of the Central and Eastern Europe had always asked us: a fast, frequent, reliable connection between Poland and Finland, said Staffan Herlin, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales. “The quality of the ships is fantastic and the new service offers the possibility to board trucks and lorries too in addition to trailers. We are very confident that the market will respond very positively”.

Finnlines previously operated a ro-ro service linking Helsinki and Gdynia with a transit time of 26 hours. Now the service is operated three-times-a-week, the transit time is cut by 30% to less than 19 hours and the weekly transport capacity is up by 80% to 25,200 lane metres of cargo, 660 cars and 3,000 passengers.

· Gdynia – Travemünde: 15 hours, from 39 Euros per person, 250 Euros per lorry/trailer

The first ever a Motorway of the Sea between Poland and Germany provides an innovative connection between the strongest European economy and the strongest and most modern country in Eastern Europe.

Passengers

Pricing on the Helsinki/Gdynia link is very convenient: until June 30 passengers pay 39 Euros only. Throughout the summer, the first 50 passengers vehicles booked (up to 6 meters long) will be totally free of charge. All the other passenger vehicles will be granted a 50% discount.

Cargo

This Motorways of the Sea is in line with the European Union strategy to ease congestion on European roads while cutting CO2 emissions. This is why Finnlines launched a special Ecobonus fare for this route of only 250 Euros per unitised cargo, all costs and surcharges included, even the meals for drivers.

“The innovative Gdynia-Travemünde link aims to offer a safer, cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to the land route connection between the two countries” stressed Staffan Herlin. “We believe together with Finnlines’ quality and care for the costumers this will have an impact in helping to steer a change from road to sea in the transport systems of logistics and industrial operators “ he said.

Five Star service

The routes are performed by MS Finnstar, MS Finnmaid, MS Finnlady, MS Europalink and MS Nordlink. These ships are identical huge Super Ice Class 1A ferries built in 2006 and 2007 and able to transport up to 4,200 lane metres of trucks, trailers, busses and other cargo as well as 110 cars and 500 passengers. With a length of 218 metres and a width of 30.5 metres, the Star Class ships have a 25-knot speed. Their deployment on the routes to and from Poland is a huge step forward for Finnlines.

On each ship up to 500 passengers can enjoy the sea trips in full relax, having fresh and tasty buffet-meals in the restaurant, a drink in the Bar Navigare or a coffee and sandwich in Café Verde. The saunas, separate for men and women, are both equipped with Jacuzzis. Drivers have their own lounge with sauna and all comfort. The 200 passenger cabins have a size ranging from 10 to 38 square metres and are equipped with satellite TV, internet connections and modern bathrooms.

Pictures are available inside the Press and News section of the Company website on: www.finnlines.com

For additional information, please mail to:

press@finnlines.com

or contact:

Finnlines Passenger Services

Mr. Kaj Takolander, Executive Vice President, Passenger Services

Email: kaj.takolander@finnlines.com Tel: +358 10 343 4429

Finnlines Freight Services
Mr. Staffan Herlin, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales
Email: staffan.herlin@finnlines.com Tel: +358 10 343 5257

Finnlines launches new Baltic services

Thu, 14 May 2009 10:47:30 GMT

Finnlines to launch new Baltic services

New Motorway of the Sea for freight and passengers between Finland and Poland
New Motorway of the Sea for freight and passengers between Poland and Germany
Upgrade to 10 weekly departures on the Helsinki-Travemünde Motorway of the Sea
New weekly ro-pax connection between Helsinki and St. Petersburg
BalticEuroMed Service: Finnlines Baltic destinations linked to more than 20 Mediterranean ports
Focus on passengers

Helsinki, 14 May 2009 – Finnlines, the leading ro-ro operator in the Baltic, will start-up on June 1st a set of new, fast, reliable and comfortable Motorways of the Sea for freight and passengers between Finland and Poland (Helsinki-Gdynia-Helsinki) and between Poland and Germany (Gdynia-Travemünde-Gdynia). Each of these new services offers three departures per week in each direction.

At the same time, the company is strengthening further its leadership and the superior quality of services it offers on the key Travemünde-Helsinki-Travemünde (Germany-Finland) trade by increasing to ten the number of weekly sailing. For each of these three Motorways of the Sea the time of departure is always at the same hour of the day, so to simplify the customers' trip planning.

Additionally, as from May 16, Finnlines will offer to all its costumers a wide range of destinations in 13 Mediterranean countries. This has been achieved thanks to the cooperation with Grimaldi Group of Italy, which owns 64.9% of the Finnish operator. The company has also started a new weekly link between Helsinki and St. Petersburg that is interconnected with the services calling all the destinations served by both Finnlines and Grimaldi Lines.

Baltic Motorways of the Sea: Finland-Poland; Finland-Germany; Poland-Germany

All the departures on the Travemünde-Helsinki; Helsinki--Gdynia and Gdynia-Travemünde routes are operated by the five world’s largest ro-ro-passenger ferries (in terms of cargo capacity). The so called "Star Class" ferries can transport up to 4,200 lane metres of rolling cargo (trailers, lorries, busses and cars) and 500 passengers in the maximum comfort and relax offered by 200 cabins.

The 25-knot service speed of the „Five Stars‟ transforms the three maritime links into real bridges across the Baltic. The Helsinki-Gdynia crossing is performed in under 19 hours (compared to more than 26 hours before, when the connection was only for cargo); the direct connection Helsinki-Travemünde is completed in less than 27 hours; sailing time on Gdynia-Travemünde is 15 hours.

While aiming to strengthen its leading position on the transport of ro-ro freight, Finnlines is raising its profile in the passenger sector too by introducing a "low cost" approach, a more aggressive marketing and a more attractive on-board product. Fast connections and the use of the Star Class ferries will cater more and more passengers on the so-called Hansalink Network that connects Finland, Poland and Germany.

Finnlines will benefit from the expertise the Grimaldi Group has in the passenger business through its brands Minoan Lines and Grimaldi Lines, which operate successful passenger services in Eastern and Western Mediterranean, respectively. Passenger bookings: www.finnlines.com or passenger@finnlines.com.

Helsinki-Gdynia – 19 hours

The deployment of the Star Class ships between Finland and Poland marks the substantial increase in quality and the opening of this important route to passengers too. What Finnlines is offering is a total different class of service as it is faster, safer, more economical and more environmentally friendly that any other alternative.

The characteristics of this Motorway of the Sea are such to beat the competition of the road transport using the so-called „Via Baltica‟ land route on their way to or from Helsinki. By boarding the Finnlines ships, drivers save an about 1,000 km drive and reach their destination in only 19 hours rested and relaxed.

Departures from Helsinki to Gdynia are scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, always at 8.30pm, with arrival the following day at 3pm. Northbound, Gdynia to Helsinki the vessels depart at 11 am on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and arrive 6:45am the following day.

Gdynia-Travemünde

In line with its environmentally-friendly approach and with the support the Grimaldi Group has always given to the European Commission strategy of easing traffic congestion e CO2 emissions through the establishment of new Motorways of the Sea, Finnlines has launched the first existing regular link between Poland and Germany for passengers and rolling freight.

The 15-hours long service performs three departures every week in each direction. In order to stress the environmental benefits it brings Finnlines has launched a 250 euros all inclusive "Ecobonus fare" for all the lorries and trailers using the line.

Travemünde-Helsinki

The largest Motorway of the Sea connecting Germany and Finland across the Baltic Sea has been widened further reaching 10 departures per week in each direction. It offers daily departures from Helsinki‟s Vuosaari harbour at 6pm to reach Travemünde less than 27 hours later. These seven departures are complemented by three more sailings on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8:30pm. Northbound, from Travemünde to Helsinki, the daily sailing is at 3am with the additional three departures set on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 4pm.

Mediterranean Connection

For the first time ever, as from 16 May, Finnlines offers to all its customers a wide range of destinations in 13 Mediterranean countries: Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Tunisia, Libya, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and Israel. On a reversed angle, freight originating in any of the Mediterranean countries can reach any destination in the Baltic

The new weekly BalticEuroMed Service brings together Finnlines' Scandinavian Service and Grimaldi Lines' EuroMed Network. The two services are interconnected at the Swedish port of Wallhamn that is 50% owned by the Grimaldi Group. The BalticEuroMed Service allows Finnlines and Grimaldi Lines to offer to their costumers fast, reliable and safe shipments of any kind of rolling cargo from any destination in the Baltic to any destination in the Mediterranean and vice versa. Russia Earlier this month, Finnlines started a weekly direct connection from Helsinki to St. Petersburg (Russia) for rolling cargo and passenger. The new line has been conceived in order to be able to offer St. Petersburg as a destination port for shipments from both the entire Finnlines network and Grimaldi network. The new port of Helsinki-Vuosaari is the hub to collect cargo from all the destinations and ship them to Russia.

Attached: Speech delivered by Mr Emanuele Grimaldi, President and CEO, Finnlines

Pictures are available upon request at press@finnlines.com
For additional information, please contact: Finnlines: +358 (0)10 343 4402 – e-mail: press@finnlines.com
Information on Passenger Services only: Mr. Kaj Takolander, Executive Vice President, passenger services

Dr. Grimaldis presentation

Dr Grimaldis presentation.pdf 292.83 kB