South Enabler Christened in a Ceremony at the port of Turku
On Wednesday, September 11, a formal christening ceremony was held at the port of Turku for WALLENIUS SOL’s newest vessel, South Enabler, which officially received its name. The event brought together company representatives, crew members, partners, and invited guests to celebrate the arrival of the new ship.
The festivities began with a performance by the Finnish Navy Band, setting a dignified tone for the occasion. Guests were welcomed by Vice President of Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Johan Falkenberg, followed by a speech from the CEO of WALLENIUS SOL, Elvir Dzanic, who expressed special thanks to the shipyard responsible for building the vessel — Italian shipyard Cantiere Navale Visentini.
In his speech, shipyard CEO Carlo Visentini shared insights into the shipbuilding process, from keel laying to launch. He emphasised the importance of collaboration and technological advancement, which enabled the creation of South Enabler’s modern and environmentally friendly design.
The christening followed maritime traditions, including the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle against the hull. Beatrice Erikson, Head of Transhipment Operations at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and the ship’s godmother, highlighted the vessel’s role in promoting technology, innovation, and environmental responsibility. The design of South Enabler focuses on reducing emissions and improving voyage efficiency, supporting sustainable development in maritime transport.
In the evening, the celebration continued at Turku Castle, where the historic setting provided a distinguished backdrop for the christening dinner. Several speeches were delivered, including remarks from Michael Kjellberg, owner and chairman of Swedish Orient Line AB, and David Symes, CEO of WALLENIUS SOL OY.
Erik Söderholm, CEO of the Port of Turku, emphasised the significance of maritime transport in his speech: “Shipping is not only part of our history—it is a vital element of the present and the future.” He warmly welcomed South Enabler and its crew to Turku.
Hosting the christening ceremony in Turku was a natural choice for both WALLENIUS SOL and the Port of Turku, as maritime traffic between Turku and the United Kingdom has been active since the 1970s. The event was not only a tribute to maritime traditions but also a strong statement of future cooperation and development. The vessel represents modern and responsible shipping, reinforcing Turku’s position in international logistics.