Finnlines, the Finnish freight and passenger shipping company, is set to bolster its service offerings with the introduction of a new freight route connecting Finland to London Medway in Sheerness, UK. The new service, set to commence on September 23, 2024, is a strategic move by Finnlines to enhance its route network, improve service reliability, and offer a more sustainable alternative for its customers. This route will feature further connections to key European destinations, including Belgium, Spain, and Ireland, providing an expansive range of business opportunities.
London Medway, located on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, is strategically positioned with excellent connectivity to the rest of the UK and Europe. Its well-developed infrastructure, including a robust rail network and direct motorway access, makes it an ideal gateway for companies looking to enter the UK’s largest commercial hub—London. The port’s proximity to London offers a significant advantage for importers and exporters seeking to streamline their logistics and distribution channels.
The new service will be operated using three Finneco-class hybrid ro-ro vessels. These vessels are designed to be both environmentally friendly and efficient, featuring advanced technologies such as air lubrication systems, high-powered battery banks, and solar panels to reduce emissions. With a cargo capacity of 5,800 lane meters—equivalent to approximately 400 trailers—the Finneco-class ships offer faster and more flexible loading and unloading operations. This flexibility enables them to handle a wide variety of cargo, including long, heavy, and oversized items up to seven meters in height.
Merja Kallio-Mannila, Finnlines’ Commercial Director, emphasized the significance of this new route: “Finnlines continues to strengthen its services by increasing cargo capacity for the UK service. Furthermore, the launch of our new service from Sheerness secures an important trade route between England and the Continent, further solidifying our position in the market. We are constantly improving our services to our customers and looking for new growth opportunities.”
Managed by Peel Ports Group, London Medway is a versatile terminal equipped to handle a wide range of cargo types, including automotive, steel, wood, forestry, and project cargo, as well as facilities for roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) cargo. Richard Goffin, Port Director for Peel Ports Group, London Medway, noted the advantages of the port’s location and the expected popularity of the new service. “Location is everything, and as a port, London Medway’s proximity to the nation’s capital and distribution networks means it is perfectly placed to connect importers and exporters with their markets,” said Goffin. “We expect this new service will be popular with both established and emerging markets, which are seeing strong growth in the South-East of the UK, and in particular forest products which are in high demand.”
With this new route, Finnlines is not just enhancing its service offerings but is also positioning itself as a key player in the maritime service sector between Finland, the UK, and Continental Europe. By integrating sustainable practices and expanding its network, Finnlines aims to meet the growing demand for reliable and eco-friendly shipping solutions, ultimately providing its customers with more efficient and sustainable options for their logistics needs.
