Naantali (Finland)

Naantali is a major Baltic Sea ferry port and town in Southwest Finland, with population around 20,000. Naantali (Nadendal in Swedish) is located approx 14 km (9 mi) west of Turku (the region's largest city) where is also one of Europe's largest shipbuilding yards. Port Naantali is ranked Finland's third-largest in cargo traffic.

The Helsinki-based cargo and passenger shipping company FINNLINES (part of Grimaldi Group) offers regularly scheduled direct connections to Aland Finland (Langnas) and to Sweden (Kapellskar via Aland). FINNLINES' schedule includes 2 daily crossings Naantali-Langnas (5 hours) and 2 daily crossings Naantali-Kapellskar (travel time 8 hours).

Besides the cruiseferry shipping industry, Naantali is also one of Finland's largest tourism centers. The town itself covers a small area, but also encompasses the large Naantali Archipelago (nearby islands) with a combined land area approx 311 km2 (120 mi2). Most of Naantali's residents live on the mainland. Most of the islands are forested and with farmlands, while the mainland is mostly residential. In 2009, into the Naantali Municipality were merged the neighboring Merimasku, Rymaatyla and Velkua.

The settlement (Nadendal) was granted town status in 1443 (then Finland was under Sweden's rule), making its one of Finland's oldest. Holiday tourism started to develop since 1863 when was established Cape Kalevanniemi's spa. The current-day tourism is also boosted by Naantali's proximity to Turku and the Naantali Archipelago. Among the best-known local attractions is Kailo Island's Muumimaailma (Moomin World) - a theme park based on Tove Jansson's Moomin books. Naantali Spa Hotel and Resort is ranked Scandinavia's largest. Another popular landmark is Luonnonmaa Island's Kultaranta Estate (Finland President's official summer residence). The annual Naantali Music Festival (international classical music event) is held in June.

In July 2021 Cavotec SA (Switzerland-based company specializing in design, engineering and manufacturing of automated connection and electrification systems for seaports and airports) won a contract for installing two automated mooring systems (MoorMaster NxG) at Port Kapellskar (owned by Port Stockholm) and Port Naantali.

• MoorMaster was planned to serve the new FINNLINES ferries (Superstar-class) that call at each port twice daily.
• The system significantly reduces turnaround times (docking) which allows lower cruising speeds thus reducing CO2 emissions (by ~5000 tonnes annually).
• MoorMaster also replaces with automated vacuum pads (remotely controlled) the hazardous mooring ropes, thus increasing safety for the ship and port personnel.