Elo files for bankruptcy affecting Vip Cruise operations in Savonlinna

The situation surrounding the historic steamships in Savonlinna is becoming increasingly tumultuous. Recently, the pension insurance company Elo filed for bankruptcy on the cruise company Vip Cruise. The South Savo District Court revealed that Vip Cruise owed over 22,000 euros in unpaid pension contributions and interests from the past year, although the company settled its debts this week.

Despite the turmoil, cruise operations will continue. Vip Cruise, owned by LP Management, currently operates the steamships, but CEO Janne Leinonen announced on Monday that this summer would be the last for the vessels in Savonlinna as they seek buyers, preferably from abroad. However, Markku Kankaala, chairman of the board of LP Management, quickly refuted Leinonen’s statement, expressing confidence that the cruises would continue in Savonlinna.

Jaana Komi, CEO of Savonlinna Tourism, described the potential departure of the steamships as a significant blow to the city, emphasizing the importance of the cruises in creating a unique atmosphere and promoting Savonlinna as the European capital of steamships. The city has supported steamship cruises for over a century.

In a related development, LP Management plans to transfer the luxury cruise ship Paul Wahl to the southern coastal town of Tammisaari, citing current traffic restrictions on the Saimaa Canal as a barrier.

On top of these concerns, two vessels, Punkaharju and Saaristo, were placed under a driving ban for safety inspections earlier this month due to reported issues. Despite the bans, Vip Cruise continued operations, further complicating the situation as the police have now opened an investigation into the matter.