Finnlines, a leading operator in Baltic Sea freight and passenger services, has announced the launch of a new Green Lane sea transportation service, aiming to revolutionize short-sea shipping with low-emission freight options. The initiative provides shippers and passengers with the opportunity to drastically reduce their environmental impact, with emissions reductions reaching up to 90% through the use of shore-powered electricity and biofuels.
The Green Lane service, launching 22 May 2025, will be rolled out on key routes across the Baltic Sea and represents a major step forward in Finnlines’ long-term strategy to decarbonize maritime transport.
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Two Low-Carbon Options for Freight Shippers
Under the Green Lane initiative, customers will be able to select between two environmentally friendly shipping options:
1. Fully Electric Sea Transport
On the Naantali–Kapellskär route, operated by Finnlines’ new hybrid ro-pax vessels, Finnsirius and Finncanopus, shippers can opt for 100% electric-powered shipments. These vessels are equipped with 5 MWh battery systems that are charged with onshore power while docked, allowing propulsion during sea passage without burning fossil fuel.
This fully electric model positions Finnlines as one of the cleanest providers in the sea freight industry. The ships have not only increased cargo capacity but also delivered significant emission reductions. According to Antonio Raimo, Line Manager at Finnlines:
“With the introduction of our new vessels, we have entered the hybrid era. Although cargo capacity has grown, carbon dioxide emissions per nautical mile have fallen by 22%. Our utmost goal is to reduce emissions and we are already seeing concrete results.”
2. Biofuel-Powered Low-Carbon Shipping
For other critical short-sea shipping routes—Naantali–Kapellskär, Malmö–Travemünde, Malmö–Świnoujście, and Hanko–Gdynia—Finnlines is introducing a biofuel-based Green Lane option. Customers choosing this will see their shipments powered by renewable biofuels, with Finnlines committing to replacing the equivalent fossil fuel volume.
This option can cut well-to-wake GHG emissions by up to 90%, offering a powerful decarbonization tool for supply chains. Merja Kallio-Mannila, Commercial Director at Finnlines, explained:
“We want to offer our customers concrete solutions to help meet their decarbonisation targets. On the Hanko–Gdynia route, for example, choosing biofuel can reduce emissions by up to 700 kg of CO₂ per trailer.”
Passenger Green Lane Option Introduced
The Green Lane will also be made available to passengers on several routes, including:
- Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär
- Helsinki–Travemünde
- Malmö–Travemünde
- Malmö–Świnoujście
By opting into the Green Lane, passengers will have the environmental impact of their journey offset through the use of renewable biofuels. The volume of fossil fuel displaced will directly correlate with the number of participants, offering a tangible reduction in per-passenger emissions.
Methanol-Powered Vessels: The Next Phase in Green Transition
Looking further ahead, Finnlines is preparing for the next wave of innovation in bunkering and clean propulsion. The company has announced the order of three methanol-powered ro-pax vessels, scheduled to enter service on the Helsinki–Travemünde route between 2028 and 2029.
This new investment forms part of a wider programme that reflects Finnlines’ enduring commitment to sustainable shipping. Over the past 20 years, the company has invested nearly €2 billion in fleet renewal and energy efficiency improvements.
Thomas Doepel, President and CEO at Finnlines, highlighted the significance of the move:
“Our recent investment programme includes three methanol-powered vessels for the Finland–Germany corridor. This, combined with earlier initiatives, positions us to offer fossil-free freight transport. Interest has been strong, and we expect demand to grow.”
A Major Step for Bunkering and Short-Sea Shipping
Finnlines’ Green Lane initiative signals a landmark development in the bunkering and short-sea shipping sector, particularly in the Baltic region, where energy transition goals are tightening. By offering practical, scalable solutions for decarbonisation—whether through battery-electric propulsion or biofuel bunkering—Finnlines is setting a new standard for sustainability in maritime logistics.
The Green Lane service becomes officially available on 22 May 2025, and is expected to generate strong uptake among freight operators and environmentally conscious passengers alike.
About Finnlines
Finnlines is a premier shipping operator specializing in freight and passenger services across key European maritime corridors, including the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Bay of Biscay. The company plays a crucial role in short-sea shipping and logistics, offering reliable and sustainable transportation solutions for both cargo and travelers.
Finnlines operates a robust network of passenger-freight (ro-pax) routes from Finland to Germany, as well as via the Åland Islands to Sweden, and from Sweden to Germany. Its ro-ro vessels provide vital links across the Baltic region and extend services into the North Sea and Bay of Biscay, supporting both commercial freight and industrial supply chains.
In addition to its maritime operations, Finnlines provides port services in Helsinki and Turku, reinforcing its role as an integrated logistics provider.
The company maintains a strategic presence across Europe, with subsidiaries or sales offices in Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, and Poland—enhancing its ability to serve customers with localized support and regional expertise.
Finnlines is a proud member of the Grimaldi Group, one of the world’s largest operators of ro-ro vessels and the leading operator of Motorways of the Sea in Europe. Through this affiliation, Finnlines benefits from access to a global shipping network, offering liner services to and from destinations in the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Atlantic coasts of North and South America, and as far afield as China, South Korea, and Australia.
This global connectivity, combined with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, positions Finnlines at the forefront of modern, eco-efficient maritime logistics.
Source Finnlines