The launch event was attended by Blasco Majorana, Finnlines Line Manager; Iván Jiménez Aira, President of the Port Authority of Bilbao; Gorka Zabala, General Manager of Consignaciones Toro y Betolaza; and Monika Krzepkowska, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Spain.

According to Majorana, the new route “strengthens connections between Northern and Western Europe, offering a cost-effective and sustainable intermodal alternative to road transport for goods moving between Poland, Belgium, France, the UK, Spain, and Finland.” He emphasized that the connection “links Poland directly to the Grimaldi Group’s global network, providing access to the Far East, Middle East, Mediterranean, West Africa, South America, and the U.S. East Coast.”

Zabala highlighted that the service “marks a significant step for European logistics,” noting that Finnlines’ latest-generation Finneco-class hybrid vessels can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% while efficiently carrying RoRo, project cargo, containers, and vehicles. “We are witnessing a future that is already here — a more sustainable, innovative, and competitive maritime transport,” he added.

Ambassador Krzepkowska celebrated the connection as “a modern maritime link between the Baltic and the Atlantic, and a commitment to a greener, more integrated European economy.”
Meanwhile, Jiménez Aira underlined that the route offers “new opportunities for trade with Central Europe and an efficient alternative to road transport,” reinforcing Bilbao’s role as a key Atlantic logistics hub.

Low-Emission Sea Transport

Operating since late June, the service employs three next-generation hybrid RoRo vessels — FINNECO I, II, and III — designed for multiple cargo types including rolling, breakbulk, containers, vehicles, and project cargo. Each ship can carry up to 420 trailers or 2,500 vehicles and features lithium-ion batteries, solar panels, optimized hulls, and air-bubble lubrication systems to minimize emissions and fuel consumption.

Finnlines has also introduced 80-foot MAFI platforms with integrated rails, improving the handling of non-standard cargo such as trains and wagons.

“These vessels are a tangible demonstration of Finnlines’ and the Grimaldi Group’s commitment to sustainability and innovation,” concluded Majorana.