Finnlines has sold a ro-pax to its controlling shareholder Grimaldi Group as it continues to optimise its fleet and routes.

The 2,459-lane-metre Finneagle (built 1999) will be delivered to the Italian parent this month.

It had been chartered to Grimaldi since June. No price was revealed for the ferry.

The move was part of Finnlines' strategy to improve profitability, it said.