News
Letter of Intent signed - New Shipyard AxYards planned to safeguard the operational supply security of archipelago traffic
The Government of Åland (ÅLR) and Finland Archipelago Shipping Ltd – part of the Finferries Group – have signed a letter of intent to establish a new shipyard, AxYards.
The goal of the future repair dock is to strengthen the supply security and self-sufficiency of archipelago traffic by providing reliable and modern shipyard capacity for commuter ferries, ferries, and other vessels of similar size.
If the project proceeds as planned, AxYards would become the first newly established dry dock in Finland in over thirty years.
“We have repeatedly faced challenges in securing sufficient docking capacity precisely when it is most needed. AxYards aims to address this need – to build an own and sustainable and predictable solution that serves both Finferries and the archipelago traffic needs of Åland”, says Håkan Fagerström, CEO of Finferries.
The planned dry dock basin will be 110 meters long and 20 meters wide and its location is planned in the Möckelö area in Mariehamn.
There is clearly a growing demand in the market for repair docks of this size, as many vessels operating in the Finnish and Åland archipelago are too large for smaller shipyards, but on the other hand too small for major shipyard complexes.
The shipyard’s services will also be offered to other shipping companies and maritime operators, strengthening its position as part of the Finnish and Åland maritime cluster.
The realization of the project depends on the feasibility and profitability of the long-term operational plan for the shipyard. In addition, compliance with environmental impact requirements will be ensured. The work is demanding, but at the same time it opens significant opportunities for the development of archipelago traffic and domestic shipbuilding.
“This is a major but realistic step. If we succeed, AxYards could become an important piece not only of archipelago supply security, but also of a new era for Finnish repair shipyards,” Fagerström continues.
The project is also a clear demonstration of constructive and effective cooperation between Finferries and the Government of Åland. Both parties share the common goal of strengthening the vitality of the archipelago and securing critical infrastructure well into the future.
The aim is for AxYards to be operational and ready to receive its first vessels to the dry dock by the end of the third quarter of 2027.
Additional information:
Håkan Fagerström
CEO, Finferries
tel. +358 40 515 6329
hakan.fagerstrom(at)finferries.fi
Hanhivirta - 30.10.2025 11:09
Ferry: HanhivirtaSituation: Smaller ferry 60 t
Reason: Docking
More information: Directly from the ferry
Finferries renews its visual identity – white vessels and a blue-toned logo reflect purity, modernity, and sustainable development
Finferries, Suomen Lauttaliikenne Oy, has decided to renew its visual identity as part of the company’s broad modernization and transition towards emission-free water transport. In the renewal, the company’s vessels will receive a new white color scheme, and the main color of the logo will become blue-light blue – a shade that symbolizes clean water, clear air, and a sustainable future.
“The white hull color and blue-light blue logo communicate clarity, openness, and responsibility. The blue shade represents clean water and clear air – precisely the environment we aim for with the emission-free operation of our vessels,” says Finferries’ CEO Håkan Fagerström.
The visual renewal will gradually appear on routes and in communication during 2026. The new look supports Finferries’ strategic goal to reduce operational emissions by 95 percent by 2035, as well as the company’s investment in electrification and sustainable water transport.
“Finferries is known for the yellow ferries of the archipelago – they have been part of the Finnish landscape for decades. However, now it is time to update the external appearance to match future goals and technological development,” Fagerström continues.
The renewed visual line has been designed in cooperation with the communications and marketing partner, LM Someco Oy. The look is based on the idea of a balance between nature and technology: blue represents air and water, white represents purity – elements that guide Finferries’ operations and development.
Further information:
Håkan Fagerström, CEO, Finferries
Tel: +358 40 515 6329, email: hakan.fagerstrom(at)finferries.fi
Low water level in lakes - 21.10.2025 10:46
In the Vuoksi water system area, lake water levels are exceptionally low!
We urge all drivers to exercise great caution when driving onto or off the cable ferry, as the height difference between the road and the water surface creates an angle between the cable ferry and the ramp, as well as between the ramp and the road. This angle must be taken into account especially with vehicles that have low ground clearance or long front/rear overhangs.
Suomen Lauttaliikenne Oy has signed an agreement with the ELY Centre concerning ferry traffic in the Finnish Lakeland region
On 6 October 2025, Suomen Lauttaliikenne Oy signed an agreement with the ELY Centre of Southwest Finland concerning the procurement titled “Road Ferry Traffic Service Lakeland Finland 2026–2047.”
The company has developed an ecological traffic concept for 12 ferry routes in Lakeland Finland. As a result, the transport capacity on these routes will increase to 90 tonnes, removing weight restrictions for heavy traffic.
The ferry fleet in Lakeland Finland will be renewed and electrified, reducing traffic emissions in the area by over 90% compared to current levels. The first upgraded ferries will begin operating on the Lamposaari, Kietävälä, Rongonsalmi, and Tappuvirta routes at the end of 2026. According to the new agreement, all ferry sites will operate with upgraded equipment by summer 2028.
In constructing 14 new ferries, existing vessel hulls will be reused, supporting the company’s ecological values. Reusing old ferry hulls avoids the CO₂ emissions associated with producing new steel. The CO₂ savings compared to building a new ferry are equivalent to approximately 2.5 years of emissions from diesel-powered ferries in Lakeland Finland.
“This 20-year agreement covering 12 ferry sites in Lakeland Finland is a significant step toward carbon-neutral road ferry traffic. Ferry services will be produced more efficiently, sustainably, and cost-effectively. Within the transport sector, road ferry traffic is leading the way toward carbon neutrality while improving service for road users. Our long-term goal is to achieve carbon-neutral road ferry traffic by 2035, which we promote through our procurements and agreements. The transport objective is to provide flexible and cost-effective service delivery that takes into account regional mobility and transport needs,” says Tapani Jaakkola, Road Engineer at the ELY Centre for Southwest Finland
“We are very pleased to introduce environmentally friendly equipment to Lakeland Finland, supporting our strategic vision to be a pioneer in emission-free water transport. This is a major step in the ecological development of road ferry traffic, where we also consider biodiversity alongside emission reduction,” says Håkan Fagerström, CEO of Finferries.
Further information:
Håkan Fagerström, CEO, Finferries
Tel: +358 40 515 6329, email: hakan.fagerstrom(at)finferries.fi