Ferry change on Swedish and Finnish routes

The shipping group DFDS will replace the ships that have sailed on the Estonian-Swedish and Estonian-Finnish routes with larger ships that can accommodate more passengers. The Paldiski-Kapellskär route will be served by Sirena Seaways and Patria Seaways, the latter of which will also operate on the Paldiski-Hanko route.

According to DFDS Estonia-Sweden and Estonia-Finland route director Peeter Ojasaar, the new ships will accommodate twice as many passengers. “The arrival of new ships on the route allows us to offer an even more convenient crossing and a wider range of onboard services for both private passengers and drivers. Demand for both freight and passenger transport is constantly changing and we are optimizing the Baltic Sea fleet accordingly, ”said Ojasaar.

Sirena Seaways can accommodate up to 600 passengers. There is an onboard shop, a buffet restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, a bar, a café, a children’s corner and Commodore-class cabins with a separate lounge area. The ship Patria Seaways can accommodate up to 260 passengers. The ship has an onboard shop, a bar, a buffet restaurant, an à la carte restaurant and a children’s playroom.

Sirena Seaways will replace Optima Seaways, which previously sailed on the Paldiski-Kapellskär route, next Sunday, June 28. Patria Seaways will replace the Sailor from July 8, serving not only the Swedish route but also the Paldiski-Hanko route.

DFDS has operated both the Estonian-Swedish and Estonian-Finnish shipping lines according to the usual schedule for the entire duration of the emergency caused by COVID-19, ensuring both the transport of goods and the transfer of a limited number of passengers who had an unavoidable need to travel. "We constantly monitor the situation and do our best to keep the health of both our employees and passengers. On board new, larger ships, sufficient social distance is ensured between passengers, and the ships are constantly cleaned and disinfected, ”explained Ojasaar.

In addition to the new vessels, the departure schedule of the Estonian-Swedish route will be harmonized. The ship leaves Paldiski North Harbor every evening at 10 pm and from Kapellskär at 9 pm, except on Sundays (departure time in the morning at 9 am). “The late departure time of the ship allows you to calmly prepare for the voyage, board the ship late in the evening and reach the destination already rested the next early morning. Our schedule continues to offer the fastest sea route between the two countries, ”said Ojasaar.

DFDS is one of Europe's largest maritime transport and logistics companies, operating more than 50 vessels on 35 routes in the Western, North and Mediterranean Seas as well as the English Channel. The Estonian branch of DFDS belongs to the DFDS group and serves the Paldiski-Kapellskär and Paldiski-Hanko lines on a daily basis.

Photos from Sirena Seaways and Patria Seaways