Recently replaced by Finnlines' new-build Finnsirius across the Naantali-Långnäs-Kapellskär crossing, Europalink has returned to serving its maiden route between Malmö and Travemünde.

The 2007-launched 218 by 30.5 m ferry offers room for 554 passengers and 4,215 lane metres for wheeled cargo.

Europalink joins Finnfellow (452/2,200), Finnpartner (274/3,052) and Finntrader (274/3,052) on Finnlines' Germany-Sweden link.

In addition to the move, the ferry was reflagged from Finnish to the Swedish ship registry.

"We are thrilled to bring Europalink down to Malmö again and, of course, under the Swedish flag. We are currently focusing on increasing the capacity on our route between Sweden and Germany for both freight customers and passengers. Finnlines' core business has always been freight transport, but we are also introducing new service concepts for passengers on our various routes. The route between Naantali in Finland and Kapellskär outside Stockholm has been first in line, but we now also want to upgrade the line between Malmö and Travemünde," said Antonio Raimo, Line Manager, Finnlines.

Thomas Doepel, CEO of Finnlines Ship Management, added, "Our strive is always to be a local shipping company, although we are a big corporate group. By flying the Swedish flag, we are ensuring that we can hire competent staff. We are counting on approximately 100 employment opportunities in total."

Carl Johan Sonesson, Chair of the Regional Executive Committee in Skåne, also commented, "I would like to extend a warm welcome to Europalink, returning to Malmö and Skåne, and I have been happy to help to reflag her today. Sweden has relatively few merchant ships in its national Ship Registry compared to the other Nordic countries. This makes it more difficult to maintain our security of supply in the event of a crisis. It is therefore very positive that Finnlines is taking responsibility to ensure that all vessels on their route between Malmö and Germany fly the Swedish flag."

Photo: Przemysław Myszka