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Strengthening the Northern–Western Europe Corridor
Finnlines, part of the Grimaldi Group, has launched a new weekly Ro-Ro freight service linking the Port of Bilbao in Spain with the Polish port of Gdynia. The line, departing every Saturday, marks a major step in connecting Northern and Western Europe through a more sustainable and efficient maritime corridor.
The route, represented in Bilbao by Consignaciones Toro y Betolaza, is designed as an intermodal alternative to road transport—offering a lower-emission, cost-effective solution for rolling cargo, containers, vehicles, and project freight.
During the official presentation in Bilbao, Blasco Majorana, Line Manager for Finnlines, described the service as a bridge between “Northern and Western Europe, opening new opportunities for efficient and sustainable freight transport.” He added that it also provides “a cost-effective and practical intermodal alternative to road haulage for goods moving between Poland, Belgium, France, the UK, Spain, and Finland.”
A Global Gateway from the Baltic
Majorana highlighted that the connection does more than link two European ports—it extends Poland’s access to global trade. Through the Grimaldi Group’s integrated network, the service connects directly to regions including the Far East, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, West Africa, South America, and the U.S. East Coast.
“With this new service,” he said, “Finnlines reaffirms its commitment to developing sustainable solutions, driving innovation and delivering reliable logistics services.”
Monika Krzepkowska, Ambassador of Poland to Spain, called the launch “a modern maritime connection between Gdynia and Bilbao, between Poland and Spain, effectively linking the two ends of Europe.” She emphasized that the route represents “much more than a logistical link—it’s a commitment to sustainability, integration, and a truly interconnected Europe.”
Bilbao’s Role in a Greener Network
From the Spanish side, Iván Jiménez Aira, President of the Port Authority of Bilbao, noted that the new route “represents a major opportunity for companies seeking to expand into Central Europe, while diversifying their logistics strategies.” The service, he said, positions Bilbao as “a key hub in Atlantic trade,” reinforcing its strategic role within the Grimaldi Group’s network.
Gorka Zabala, General Manager of Consignaciones Toro y Betolaza, described the development as “a highly significant step for the European logistics chain.” He underlined the efficiency of the latest Finneco-class hybrid vessels, capable of reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 90%. “We’re talking about a future that has already become present,” he said—“a more sustainable, innovative, and competitive maritime transport.”
The Finneco Fleet: Hybrid Efficiency in Motion
The service is operated by three sister ships—Finneco I, II, and III—part of Finnlines’ Eco Class. Each vessel can carry up to 420 trailers or 2,500 vehicles and features advanced technology such as lithium-ion batteries for zero-emission port operations, 600 m² of solar panels, and an air-bubble hull lubrication system to reduce drag.
These vessels embody the Grimaldi Group’s sustainability goals, combining cargo capacity with low-emission operation. Finnlines has also introduced 80-foot MAFI platforms with integrated rails, designed for transporting non-standard cargo such as trains and wagons—adding flexibility to an already versatile service.
As the first voyages commence, the Bilbao–Gdynia route stands as both a logistical achievement and a statement about the direction maritime transport is heading: greener, broader, and more connected than ever before.
