Passenger Ferries from Aland

In June, Aland Post starts a new series of stamps on the theme passenger ferries, which operate or has operated to and from Aland since the start of passenger ferry service in 1959. The first two stamps depict the first ferry and the newest.

One of the ships featured is the s.s Viking; the other is a new one yet to be named and it is called as Newbuilding 2009 as seen in the stamps.

On 1 June 1959, the first proper passenger ferry, the s/s Viking, sailed off on its maiden voyage from Galtby in the Finnish archipelago of Turku, via Mariehamn to Gräddö in Roslagen.

The second stamp to be issued 1 June shows Viking Lines’ newbuilding, which will be operating between Kapellskär, Sweden, and Mariehamn, Aland. She is planned to be put in traffic at the end of 2009 or in the beginning of 2010. It will be the first newbuilding ever for short-route service across the Sea of Aland.

The passenger ferry series starts in 2009 and is planned to continue for quite a few years ahead. Shipping has always been of great importance to Alanders, not to say a bare necessity if you wish to travel to or from Aland.

Courtesy: Aland Post.