Turku, Finland - The Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment for Southwest Finland (ELY-Centre) has awarded a €234.78 million, 20-year ferry transport service contract to Suomen Lauttaliikenne Oy (Finferries) for the Lake Finland (Järvi-Suomi) region. The agreement, published under OJ S 192/2025 – Notice 656711-2025, ensures continuous and environmentally responsible ferry operations across key inland routes from 2026 to 2046.
A long-term commitment to regional connectivity
Under the contract identified as VARELY/440/2024, Finferries will deliver year-round ferry transport services at multiple strategic crossings across the Lake Finland area, including Hanhivirta, Hirvisalmi, Hätinvirta, Kietävälä, Koivukanta, Kyläniemi, Tappuvirta, Kortesalmi, Kuparonvirta, Lamposaari, Rongonsalmi, and Puutossalmi.
The scope covers procurement and operation of ferries, daily navigation and customer service, and the maintenance of state-owned ferry terminals. The selected operator will be responsible for ensuring uninterrupted service delivery and compliance with quality standards throughout the 20-year contract term.
According to the ELY-Centre, the project is designed to maintain critical transport links for residents, businesses, and visitors within the region’s island and lake communities, thereby supporting Finland’s internal mobility and economic sustainability goals.
Environmentally responsible ferry operations
A key feature of the procurement was its emphasis on sustainability and circular-economy practices. The tender required bidders to demonstrate plans to reduce environmental impact, promote energy-efficient vessels, and support the transition toward low-emission and hybrid ferry technologies over the contract period.
Additionally, the ELY-Centre integrated social responsibility goals, including commitments to fair working conditions and local employment standards-factors consistent with Finland’s public procurement principles.
Award evaluation was based on a 70 percent weighting for price and 30 percent for quality, encouraging both cost-effectiveness and operational excellence.
Contract details and outcome
The open procedure attracted two competompetitive tenders, with Finferries ultimately selected as the most economically advantageous bidder. The total contract value amounts to €234.78 million, within an overall framework worth €243.78 million, to be fully managed and funded by the Finnish government without EU financing.
The contract was formally signed on 6 October 2025, following an award decision made on 14 October 2024 and subsequent legal clearance by the Market Court (Markkinaoikeus).
Finferries, headquartered in Turku, is Finland’s national ferry operator, recognized for integrating digital navigation systems, autonomous ferry trials, and eco-friendly fleet upgrades. Its long-term management of inland and coastal ferry services underlines Finland’s strategy to maintain safe, reliable, and sustainable transport infrastructure across dispersed archipelagos and lake regions.
Strengthening sustainable mobility in Finland
This landmark 20-year agreement reflects Finland’s continued investment in sustainable public transport solutions and regional accessibility. By securing the expertise of Finferries, the ELY-Centre reinforces the government’s commitment to combining technological innovation, climate goals, and public-service reliability in national ferry operations.
As Finland transitions toward carbon-neutral transport, the Lake Finland ferry network will serve as a model for green mobility, balancing cost efficiency with long-term environmental responsibility.
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Finland, Suomen Lauttaliikenne Oy, Finferries, Varsinais-Suomen ELY-keskus, ferry transport services, Järvi-Suomi, inland waterways, sustainable transport, public procurement, contract award, maritime mobility, green shipping, circular economy, low-emission ferries, transport infrastructure, regional connectivity, government tenders, OJ S 192/2025, Finnish transport sector, EU GPA contracts
