Vinkeri II moves from Anttola to undergo renovations in Lahti

The traffic vessel Vinkeri II, which has sparked disputes in the Joensuu region, has moved away from Anttola in Mikkeli. The vessel arrived at the Anttola harbor in mid-September. Its journey will culminate on Lake Päijänne, where owner Jarmo Lahtinen plans to undertake extensive renovations in preparation for the next summer.

“We will repaint it from top to bottom, decorate it nicely, install new carpets, and more. It will be operational in Lahti on May 10,” Lahtinen outlines his plans. The renovations will take place at the Vääksy shipyard, where the vessel will be transported partially by road. The ship will be lifted at Pellosniemi in Mikkeli while another vessel from a different operator is launched into the water.

The Vinkeri’s situation had been under prolonged negotiation in Joensuu, where it had remained unused for several years. The city had already decided to scrap Vinkeri, along with another unused vessel, Satumaa. However, the situation changed when Lahtinen, the new owner as of July, moved the vessel away.

City representatives had previously assessed the condition of Vinkeri. Lahtinen has accused the city of trespassing in connection with the vessel.