The company's fleet also transported 531k ro-ro cargo units (-7.2% year-on-year), 121k vehicles (+22.2% yoy), and 1,027kt of non-unitised freight (-5.3% yoy).

Commenting on the result, Tom Pippingsköld, Finnlines' President and CEO, said, "The geopolitical situation continues to be uncertain and the global, as well as the Euro area, demand is sluggish, which means that within EU we have either negative growth or no growth at all."

He furthered, "While the negative development in Finland's exports and imports have resulted in lower cargo volumes for Finnlines and reduced our result, the upward trend in passenger volumes has been very good. Despite the reduced cargo volumes, Finnlines was able to retain its market share."

Pippingsköld also underscored, "The existing EU Emissions Trading Scheme will be extended to concern maritime transport from 2024 onwards. Finnlines has made substantial investments in sustainable and eco-friendly technologies, positioning itself competitively. Finnlines' investment programmes to reduce CO2 emissions align with the company's strategy aimed at enhancing operational efficiency. The new vessels support customers in their transition towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. Therefore, Finnlines continues its green transition and thus makes its best efforts to serve its customers in the most sustainable way."