Tampere opens talks to sell Suomen Hopealinja as buyers surface

Several prospective buyers have come forward, prompting Tampere to enter talks over the possible sale of troubled ferry operator Suomen Hopealinja, YLE reports. The move follows the city's earlier decision to close Hopealinja at the end of the season after years of losses decision to close the operator, and comes after a pledge to guarantee ferry service to Viikinsaari next summer while a longer-term solution is sought ferry guarantee plan.

A proposal before the city's corporate subcommittee recommends selling parts of the company’s assets as part of a controlled wind-down. Some vessels are earmarked for Tampereen Kaupunkiliikenne, while the company’s board has been authorised to sell others. The proposal, drafted by corporate director Juha Yli-Rajala, requires approval for any asset sales outside the city group before contracts are signed, though measures could be reversed if a buyer for the whole company emerges. Officials say negotiations cover both the sale of shares and the disposal or use of assets; several interested parties have signed confidentiality agreements since the city announced last August that Hopealinja’s operations would cease.

Keeping Viikinsaari services running is a priority, and continued sailings by the vessels Moon and Sky on Pyhäjärvi would be welcome though not mandatory. Most of the company’s significant assets are pledged to the city as loan collateral. The proposal warns the city may need to extend limited additional credit to secure operations and maximise recovery while aiming to minimise its final losses. Bankruptcy is not considered a favourable option.