Record year for Eckerö Group, Eckerö Line’s cargo volumes and passenger numbers increased
Eckerö Line, operating on the Helsinki–Tallinn route, increased its cargo market share in 2025. Passenger numbers on the route also reached a new all-time high. The entire Eckerö Group had a successful year in 2025: the Group achieved record highs in both cargo volumes and passenger numbers. Eckerö Line’s significant investment in the battery solution on MS Finlandia and major comfort-enhancing upgrades on both of the company’s vessels create a good starting point for 2026.
Eckerö Line’s passenger numbers increased by more than 3% compared to 2024, exceeding 2.1 million passengers. According to passenger volumes, MS Finlandia remained the most popular ship on the Helsinki–Tallinn route.
The company’s cargo volumes also rose to a record level. In 2025, Eckerö Line transported over 200 000 cargo units, an increase of 10% from 2024. The excellent development in volumes boosted Eckerö Line’s cargo market share to 46% (40% in 2024).
“The year 2025 was an excellent year for Eckerö Line. Passenger numbers on our route continued to grow, and cargo volumes reached a new record. This demonstrates the strong confidence our customers place in our services. I would also like to warmly thank Eckerö Line’s excellent personnel, whose professionalism and commitment are behind these results,” says Eckerö Line CEO Taru Keronen.
Of all cargo carried by Eckerö Line, 60% already moves between Vuosaari harbour and Muuga in Estonia, avoiding congestions in the city centres of both Helsinki and Tallinn. The popularity of the Vuosaari–Muuga route has continued to grow year after year.
Record results for Eckerö Group
The year 2025 was also successful by many measures for the entire Eckerö Group. The Group reached record highs in both cargo volumes and passenger numbers. Cargo transported on the Group’s vessels increased by 11% compared with the previous year, totalling 210 598 cargo units. Passenger numbers grew by 2%, reaching 3 191 322.
The Group’s financial performance was also strong. Total revenue for 2025 was €234.8 million, 5% more than in 2024 (€222.9 million). The full-year operating profit was the best in the Group’s history, €25.6 million (22.4 million).
In July 2025, the Eckerö Group continued investing in sustainable and efficient shipping by purchasing the Fjärdvägen business, which operates the route Naantali–Långnäs. The acquisition established a route the Group previously lacked between mainland Finland and Åland. In October, the Group bought MS Sailor for the route, renamed it MS Fjärdvägen, and it began operations in January 2026.
Eckerö Group has three business areas: Eckerö Linjen operates passenger and car ferry operations on the Åland Sea, Eckerö Link on the Archipelago Sea, and Eckerö Line on the Gulf of Finland.
MS Finlandia, the first hybrid ship on the Gulf of Finland
The battery solution being installed on Eckerö Line’s MS Finlandia is a step toward more sustainable maritime operations. The ship will make constant use of battery power – in navigation, ship control, and port operations. The targeted reduction in fuel consumption is around 3%, meaning MS Finlandia will use approximately 500–600 tons less fuel per year.
“Equipping MS Finlandia with hybrid capability is a meaningful step towards bringing cleaner, more efficient vessels to the region. It reflects our shared commitment to advancing sustainable maritime transport and accelerating the shift toward net‑zero," says Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine and Executive Vice President of Wärtsilä Corporation.
The company is also planning to install 120 solar panels on MS Finbo Cargo, the other ship on the Helsinki–Tallinn route. The panels are expected to produce about 70 MWh of clean energy annually. The installation is carried out by Solel Åland and is scheduled to be completed before summer.
“These investments are also financially significant. At the same time, they are the first step on our path toward fully electric and sustainable shipping,” says the CEO of Eckerö Group Björn Blomqvist.
Upgrades to enhance customer experience on both ships
Eckerö Line is investing in customer experience with substantial upgrades on both MS Finlandia and MS Finbo Cargo.
A brand-new Horizon Seats area will open on deck 9 on MS Finlandia for Easter 2026. The 150-seat space provides sea views, a peaceful environment, and the possibility to work during the trip. Buffet Eckerö has also been completely redesigned. The space and menus have been refreshed, and service flow improved through renewed serving stations. Additionally, the Bistro & Cafeteria Satama will gain around 150 new customer seats on deck 9.
The public areas of MS Finbo Cargo have been modernized. Reorganization of the spaces relocated the information desk and kiosk to a new shop area next to the bar, enabling a wider assortment and longer opening hours.
“We have listened to our customers and are now responding to their wishes. The upgrades have been very well received. We offer even more comfortable travel without forgetting our strengths: locally produced food and prepared onboard, as well as responsibility,” says Taru Keronen.