Finnish Company Wins Ferry Route Dispute in Lake Finland – New Ferries from 2026 | South Savo

Finland is poised to considerably upgrade its inland ferry fleet, ensuring smoother and more efficient transport across its lakes and waterways. ⁤A contract is expected to be finalized shortly, following a review process currently underway.

I’ve found that modernizing ferry infrastructure is crucial for regional connectivity,and this project exemplifies that commitment. The upcoming agreement will pave the way for a phased‌ rollout of new ferries, ​beginning in early May⁣ 2026. Complete implementation across all ferry routes is anticipated by⁤ the end of 2027.

Currently,⁢ many of ‌the ferries operating in ‌the Järvi-Suomi ⁣(Finnish Lakeland) region have⁤ a capacity of around 60 tons. The new vessels will boast a minimum capacity of 90 tons, substantially‌ increasing their ability to accommodate vehicles⁤ and passengers. This increased capacity will be a game-changer for‌ local economies and ⁤tourism.

The⁢ journey ‌to this point hasn’t been without its challenges. The initial tender process in 2021, intended ⁤to cover ⁤the period from 2025 to 2045, was initially awarded to Torghatten Nord.

Though, Finferries lodged ⁣a formal protest with the Market Court, leading to a re-evaluation of the bids. Here’s what works best: ‌transparency and fairness in procurement.⁤ The‌ subsequent re-tender was won by Finferries, with a bid approximately 100 million euros lower than that of the Norwegian company.

unluckily, Torghatten Nord then appealed ⁤this ​decision, arguing that Finferries’ proposal didn’t fully meet the stipulated requirements. This highlights the complexities ​of large-scale public projects.

here’s a breakdown of the key improvements you can expect:

* increased capacity: Ferries‍ will be able‌ to carry significantly more weight, accommodating larger vehicles and increased passenger volume.
* Modernized Fleet: The new ferries represent a significant investment in ⁣modern, efficient, and environmentally​ sound transportation.
* improved Connectivity: Enhanced ferry⁤ services will strengthen connections between communities in the Finnish Lakeland region.
* Long-Term Stability: ⁤ The contract extends to 2045, providing long-term stability and predictability ⁣for ferry operations.

The process underscores the importance of rigorous evaluation and adherence to established guidelines in public ⁢procurement. Ultimately, the goal is to deliver a reliable ⁣and efficient ferry service that supports the needs of residents and visitors alike. I believe this upgrade will‍ be ⁢a significant benefit to the region for decades to come.