The keel-laying of the Double Ended Ferry to be built for Suomen Lauttaliikenne Oy (Finferries) was performed at STX Rauma Shipyard on Friday, 20 April 2012. The environmentally friendly next-generation ferry will be delivered to the customer at the end of 2012. The vessel will enter traffic on the Korpo – Houtskär route at the beginning of 2013.

The keel-laying ceremony following old tradition performed at the STX Rauma Shipyard was witnessed by representatives of Suomen Lauttaliikenne (Finferries), STX Finland and the classification society Bureau Veritas.

Particular attention has been given to the efficiency and safety of the ferry by, for example, minimising the docking time with help of wide bow and stern ramps. The ferry, capable of running in both directions, is 65 metres long and 12.8 metres wide and has the capacity to carry some 250 passengers, three tandem trailers and 39 cars. The ship features a modern passenger seating saloon with cafeteria. Shipyard will also deliver three floating link spans, through which the cars will be driven to the ferry. 

“This project is significant for STX Rauma Shipyard as the impact for the employment in the current underload situation is important. The project has advanced as planned. The ferry which represents the cutting edge technology in its field will be launched in June and delivered to the customer at the end of 2012,” said Toivo Ilvonen, Director of STX Rauma Shipyard.

“It has been a pleasure to note that a Finnish partner was an excellent choice. We believe that both crew and passengers will appreciate the enhanced qualities of the new vessel,” added Mats Rosin, Managing Director of Finferries / Suomen Lauttaliikenne Oy.