The keel-laying ceremony following old tradition performed at the STX Rauma Shipyard was witnessed by representatives of Suomen Lauttaliikenne (Finferries), STX Finland and the classification society Bureau Veritas.

Particular attention has been given to the efficiency and safety of the ferry by, for example, minimising the docking time with help of wide bow and stern ramps. The ferry, capable of running in both directions, is 65 metres long and 12.8 metres wide and has the capacity to carry some 250 passengers, three tandem trailers and 39 cars. The ship features a modern passenger seating saloon with cafeteria. Shipyard will also deliver three floating link spans, through which the cars will be driven to the ferry.

“This project is significant for STX Rauma Shipyard as the impact for the employment in the current underload situation is important. The project has advanced as planned. The ferry which represents the cutting edge technology in its field will be launched in June and delivered to the customer at the end of 2012" says Toivo Ilvonen, Director of STX Rauma Shipyard.

“It has been a pleasure to note that a Finnish partner was an excellent choice. We believe that both crew and passengers will appreciate the enhanced qualities of the new vessel” says Mats Rosin, Managing Director of Finferries / Suomen Lauttaliikenne Oy.

Initially, the merge was to take place in conjunction with the restructuring of Destia and Arctia. Destia's restructuring was, however, completed in a faster time frame. At the time of Arctia's restructuring, Suomen Lauttaliikenne had just been separated from Destia and, therefore, conditions for the merge were not optimal. Now, the matter has been taken for re-examination and the management in both companies are responsible for the associated review work.

The review was initiated at the request of the Ownership Steering Department at the Prime Minister's Office and makes part of public servant preparations within the Department. The State has not made any decisions on the matter and the possible continuation of the project will be decided after the companies have completed the review process.

Inquiries: Pekka Timonen, Director General, Prime Minister’s Office, tel. +358 9 1602 3000 

                   Mats Rosin, Suomen Lauttaliikenne Oy/ Finferries, p. 0400-522 037