The iconic passenger ferry M/S Suomenlinna II, a vital link for Helsinki’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Suomenlinna, has been retrofitted with ABB’s cutting-edge ACS880LC drive. This upgrade positions the vessel as a pioneer in adopting next-generation propulsion technology to optimize performance, reduce energy consumption, and ensure reliable operations for decades to come.
As one of three ferries operated by Helsinki City Transport subsidiary Suomenlinnan Liikenne Oy, the 33.8-meter-long Suomenlinna II serves the Market Square – Suomenlinna route year-round. An integral part of the Helsinki public transport system, the 395-passenger capacity ferry makes multiple daily crossings between the city and the Suomenlinna sea fortress. Located on the coast of Helsinki, the fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a popular tourist attraction and a district with around 850 inhabitants.
Built in 2004, the 329-gross-ton vessel was equipped with an ACS600 drive system, which had become obsolete. However, its existing cabinets, busbars, and cables were suitable for repurposing, therefore helping to preserve resources. Instead of replacing the full system, ABB delivered a module-based retrofit, only replacing components as necessary. This transitioned the outdated onboard drives to ACS880LC with minimal impact on the ferry’s operating schedule. ABB will also supply the ferry with service support throughout the product lifecycle.
“ABB’s ability to provide a module-based retrofit as opposed to a full system replacement was a key factor for us in selecting a partner for this modernization project,” said Petri Öhrmark, Managing Director, Suomenlinnan Liikenne Oy. “Thanks to this upgrade, it can continue providing reliable, high efficiency services to residents, as well as tourists visiting the heritage site, for years to come.”
“We were proud to be chosen as partner to modernize the propulsion drives and propulsion control system for M/S Suomenlinna II,” said Ilmari Ackley, Head of Sales, Marine Service & Digital, Finland, ABB Marine & Ports. “We were happy to see the project delivered smoothly and as planned, which is particularly critical for a ferry that hundreds of passengers rely on every day. The module-based retrofit, replacing components only as necessary, shows one way our customers can improve the circularity of their operations – while ensuring a smooth and efficient upgrade to the latest technology.”
