Positive development is the sum of many factors

According to David Symes, the new cargo ship, the Italian-made South Enabler, has performed well during its first year and there have been no big surprises. The transition to a larger, more modern and more energy-efficient ship went smoothly, as the shipmasters of the vessel’s predecessor, M/L Freya, continued aboard the new ship.

In addition to the renewal of the cargo ship last year, the route and timetable operated by Wallenius Sol from the port of Turku also changed. Symes has nothing but positive things to say about adding Travemünde to the route.

“The route change has provided a positive injection to our business”, Symes says. “It has, in a way, brought us back to the trailer market. The departure frequency of our previously operated route was every 10 days, and that was too long a gap for our trailer customers. Weekly departures every Friday from Turku work better and have been well received.”

The best customer feedback is in the increased cargo volumes

 The Swedish company’s current route, which has been in operation for about a year, is Turku–Travemünde–Bremerhaven–Paldiski–Turku.

“The addition of Travemünde to the route has brought new markets and new customers, as well as bringing back old customers. It provides an opportunity for slightly different services. The Friday departure from Turku, with arrival on Sunday at the other end of the route, has proven to be a functional timetable.”

The addition of Travemünde to the route has brought us new markets and new customers, as well as bringing back old customers.

The cargo volumes transported along Wallenius Sol’s Turku route have doubled. Symes states that this is the result of multiple factors.

“A better departure day and higher frequency are two of the biggest factors. The addition of a new port to the route also has an impact, of course, and the fact that Bremerhaven’s cargo volumes have remained steady. Different customers value different aspects. But it’s the overall service that makes a true impact”, Symes sums up.

“The best customer feedback is when we see the cargo volumes increasing”, Symes adds.

Plans for another ship

The success of the Turku route raises positive hopes for the future. Symes, who heads the operations of the Swedish shipping company in Finland, says that plans for another vessel for Turku are currently on the table.

“I hope we will have some news already in the autumn”, Symes says. “Of course, it is important to remember that the expansion of operations requires a certain amount of cargo in order to be successful but, on the other hand, you have to be willing to take risks.”

“At the moment, everything is working well with the one ship we have operating from Turku. We have sufficient yard and storage space, and we are working with a great stevedoring business, which all assures we can provide quality service.”

Symes points out that if the business expands, certain things will need to be re-examined in order for the shipping company to continue to meet all customer needs and requirements. Co-operation with the Port of Turku has proceeded very well, so the General Manager is looking to the future with confidence.

“The location of the port of Turku is excellent. The only thing that could be shortened is the 57 nautical miles between Utö and Turku, but unfortunately, even the management of the Port of Turku can’t affect geography”, laughs Symes, who has, himself, spent time travelling these fairways.

Text: Mikko Kalajoki
Photos: Markku Koivumäki