With our People and Customers, we create the future

Finnlines, like other companies and the global economy, has navigated through some stormy years. The geopolitical atmosphere continues to be tense although there is some light at the end of the tunnel at the time of writing this editorial. The year started slowly, but gradually there was optimism in the air.

Growing interest in passenger traffic

Finnlines’ passenger services have been on the upturn ever since two new cruise-level freight-passenger vessels were introduced on the route between Finland and Sweden. Furthermore, another new ro-pax line between Sweden and Poland contributed to the upward trend.

Finnlines has been successful in addressing new passenger segments. Previously passenger services accounted for some few per cent of revenues, whereas in 2024 the share was around 15%. During the first quarter of 2025 private travel has continued to grow and Finnlines is well prepared for the upcoming high season.

Adaptation to changed market conditions

Although passenger travel accounts for a larger share of Finnlines’ revenues, transportation of goods continues to be the backbone of our business. When freight market softened due to the continued war in Ukraine, it was necessary for Finnlines to adapt. We optimised our fleet by selling the smallest and least efficient freight vessels and concentrated freight volumes in our Baltic Sea services into our main hub ports. By doing so, we have not only restored the profitability on several lines but also paid off debts. Thanks to the adaptations and falling interest rates, the prospects look much brighter.

Sustainability concerns us all

Shipping was included in the EU Emissions trading system in 2024 and in the FuelEU Maritime from January 2025. The trading system obligates shipping companies to buy emission allowances for ships’ CO2 emissions and the FuelEU requires fossil fuels to be gradually replaced with more expensive alternative fuels. Both systems generate massive costs but can also be seen as an opportunity.

With rising energy costs, it’s more important than ever to operate an energy efficient fleet in a sustainable way. Economies of scale and high capacity utilisation enable us to offer affordable, low-carbon transportation – something that our customers increasingly demand. Shipowners that have the resources and knowledge to master this, will develop a competitive advantage over other, less efficient and skilled, operators.

In the end, shipowners and customers both benefit from the stringent requirements when the carbon footprint of sea transportation reduces the footprint of the whole logistics chain.

Towards a stronger work community

As we continue to prioritise sustainability, customer satisfaction, value creation, and efficiency, we can never
lose sight of our most importance asset – our people. Without motivated employees, it’s impossible to build a
successful company.

Based on feedback from the recent personnel survey, we have already identified areas for development. Many things are already working well and will remain unchanged, but I would like to highlight three key focus areas that we will invest in during 2025.

First, while we have made good progress in external
communication, this year we are placing a greater emphasis on internal communication. Our goal is to
ensure that everyone at Finnlines is well-informed, aligned and truly part of our shared journey forward.

Second, the social aspect of work faded during and after the Covid-19 pandemic – at least here at
our headquarters, Gatehouse. We need to reconnect as a team – not just as colleagues, but as friends and
mentors. At the moment, Gatehouse does not genuinely feel designed for us. We need a shared space that encourages interaction and sparks inspiration to build a more welcoming work environment.

Third, Finnlines has grown, and we have top professionals throughout the organisation across many
locations at sea and ashore as well as our Grimaldi colleagues. Genuine collaboration, mutual respect, and
learning from one another will take us to the next level.

Looking forward to new pioneers

In April, the Grimaldi Group, Finnlines’ owner, announced that the Group has ordered nine new ro-pax vessels, six
to be deployed in the Mediterranean, and three in the Baltic on the Helsinki–Travemünde route. All ships will be
equipped with engines capable of running on methanol, which means they may achieve the net zero emission
target. Behind the curtains, Finnlines’ teams have been working on overall ship design, structure, specifications
and cargo intake for several years.

Finnlines aims to deliver first-class transport services and improve the passenger experience. We value quality, build trust, foster loyalty, and act as a responsible and easy-to-approach maritime operator. The focus remains on newbuilds, but we will also upgrade our existing fleet to meet customer needs and increase energy efficiency. Finnlines explores new solutions, works with industry partners, and maintains an open dialogue with all stakeholders.

I am confident that 2025 will be a good year!