The shipping line Lillgaard from the Åland Islands has sold its subsidiary to another Ålandic shipowner, with the deal covering the vessel Fjärdvägen, her crew, and other assets.

The 1972-built ro-ro Fjärdvägen (780 lane metres for wheeled cargo) plies between the Port of Långnäs on the Ålands and Naantali on the Finnish mainland (since 1994 under Lillgaard's banner).

"The Långnäs-Naantali route fits perfectly in our strategy of providing 'floating bridges' where sea shipping is the most obvious and sustainable choice. The connection between Åland and Finland has in many ways been the missing link in our customer offer; a link that we can now attach to the chain," underscored Björn Blomqvist, CEO, Eckerö.

"Commercial conditions have steadily deteriorated in recent years and the company's executive has found it hugely challenging to continue the business with a standalone company. We have concluded that operations must be part of a bigger organisation. We are pleased to have found a stable Ålandic buyer," commented Trygve Eriksson, Chairman of Lillgaard's Board.

Fjärdvägen is expected to become part of Eckerö as of 18 August this year.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons