Working Conditions Aboard the Finlandia

In a significant advancement for maritime safety, ABB is set to equip Eckerö Line’s cruise ferry MS Finlandia with its cutting-edge situational awareness solution, ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Vision. This innovative system aims to bolster safety protocols during the crucial phases of maneuvering and docking. The installation will be seamlessly conducted by both ABB and Eckerö Line teams without causing any disruptions to the ship's operational schedule. Beyond just the mechanical installation, ABB's Marine & Ports Digital Service experts will provide essential support to the crew, ensuring they can fully leverage the capabilities of this state-of-the-art system and effectively integrate it into their existing bridge operations. The ABB Ability™ Marine Pilot Vision system enhances situational awareness by delivering multiple real-time visual depictions of the vessel's surroundings, offering insights that surpass the limitations of human vision. This partnership underscores a pivotal step towards advancing maritime safety and operational efficiency.

Eckerö Line, operating on the popular Helsinki-Tallinn route with its well-known vessel, the 2001-built FINLANDIA, has unveiled impressive passenger statistics for the first half of 2023. Between January and June, the company welcomed 822,000 passengers, marking a substantial 15% rise from the same timeframe in 2022. This upward trend highlights the growing appeal of ferry travel in the Baltic region and the commitment of Eckerö Line to providing exceptional service to its customers.

As summer rolled in, the Port of Helsinki proudly inaugurated its new West Terminal 2, fully operational as of June 12, 2017. This milestone was marked by the installation of a crucial component, the disembarkation bridge at the Jätkäsaari-side berth, completed on May 29. Eckerö Line's MS Finlandia is set to take advantage of this state-of-the-art facility on its Helsinki-Tallinn route starting June 12. The bridge, engineered by Adelte Ports & Maritime of Spain, was a significant addition to the terminal's functionality. After its construction and testing in Barcelona, the bridge embarked on an 11-day maritime journey to reach Helsinki's West Harbour, where it was seamlessly lifted into place. The terminal’s design includes elevated passenger corridors that are about 14 meters above ground, with the disembarkation bridges offering adaptability to variations in sea levels and accommodating different ship door placements. The bridge has now been connected to the terminal's electrical system, leading up to its operational launch alongside Eckerö Line. In addition to Eckerö Line, Tallink Silja's vessels Megastar and Star will also operate from the new terminal, while West Terminal 1 remains in service for Moby SPL's Anastasia and Tallink Silja's Europa. For more information, visit [PortNews](http://en.portnews.ru/news/240493/).