P&O ferries: Connecting Poland and Scandinavia Across the Baltic 🌊

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When thinking of Baltic Sea ferry travel, P&O ferries—officially Polish Baltic Shipping S.A.—stands out as Poland’s flagship operator. Founded in 1976 and based in Kołobrzeg, the company has long specialized in reliable sea crossings between Poland and Scandinavia. Recently, it merged with Unity Line to form PolSca Baltic Ferries, marking a new chapter in Baltic maritime connectivity.

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🚢 A Legacy Built on Reliability

Ever since its beginnings as a state-owned company, P&O ferries has earned a reputation for consistent service and high safety standards. It was among the first Polish ferry operators to earn ISM (International Safety Management) certification in 1996 and an ISO 9002 quality accreditation in 1997. Operating primarily from its terminals in Gdańsk and Świnoujście, P&O ferries has served as a trusted bridge between Central Europe and Scandinavia.

⚓ Routes & Fleet: Bridging Nations at Sea

P&O ferries serves two main passenger and Ro-Ro freight routes across the Baltic Sea:

• Świnoujście (Poland) ↔ Ystad (Sweden) — Frequent sailings, roughly 7.5 hours in duration
• Gdańsk (Poland) ↔ Nynäshamn (near Stockholm) — About 18‑hour overnight crossings

Its fleet includes modern vessels such as:

• M/F Mazovia (Ystad–Świnoujście)
• M/F Wawel (long-haul Gdańsk–Nynäshamn)
• M/F Varsovia and M/F Cracovia

These ships offer comfortable cabins, onboard dining, shopping opportunities, and passenger lounges—ensuring that each journey feels more like a mini-cruise. Mazovia alone accommodates up to a thousand passengers and includes amenities such as a cinema and conference room.

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🧩 Merger, but Continuity: PolSca Baltic Ferries

In May 2025, P&O ferries and Unity Line officially joined forces under the newly formed PolSca Baltic Ferries. This joint venture consolidates management of ten vessels across both brands and aims to optimize logistics, expand route coverage, and enhance customer experience. Despite the structural shift, both brand names and routes remain in use—for now.

Together, Unity Line operates vital routes between Świnoujście and Swedish ports like Ystad and Trelleborg, while P&O ferries connects through Gdańsk and Ystad. The merger brings both entities into a streamlined operator that strengthens Poland’s maritime reach in the Baltic region.

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🎯 What Makes P&O ferries/ PolSca Travel Unique?

1. Strategic Baltic Routes

By focusing on Poland–Sweden crossings, the service connects major European hubs (Stockholm and Copenhagen southwards, and Central Europe).

2. Comfort & Onboard Amenities

Expect a comfortable experience with nighttime cabins, lounge access, and dining. Ferries like M/F Mazovia and M/F Wawel are newly refurbished, offering a range of modern facilities.

3. Mix of Passenger and Freight Services

Designed to serve both travelers and logistics needs, P&Oferries supports Ro-Ro freight, passenger vehicles, and walk-on passengers.

4. Consistency in Quality & Safety

Operating under certified safety and quality systems since the mid‑1990s, P&Oferries emphasizes reliable and professional service delivery.

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✅ Travel Experience At-a-Glance

Category	Details
Routes	Świnoujście–Ystad (7.5 hrs); Gdańsk–Nynäshamn (18 hrs)
Fleet Highlights	M/F Mazovia, Wawel, Varsovia, Cracovia
Onboard Services	Cabins, restaurants, lounges, cinema, conference facilities
Passenger Types	Individuals, families, car travelers; freight trucks, vans
Safety & Certification	ISM & ISO since the 1990s
Ownership & Branding	P&O ferries + Unity Line merged as PolSca Baltic Ferries

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📅 What’s New & What to Expect

• PolSca Baltic Ferries is now the unified operator managing joint operations since mid‑2025, though route brands remain visible.
• Route continuity: No immediate route closures reported. Operations continue from Poland to multiple Swedish ports via both former operators.
• Terminal updates: Ongoing repair work at Świnoujście terminal may cause local traffic delays; passengers are advised to follow posted signs and allow extra time.
• Onboard payment notice: Recent alerts indicate possible card payment disruptions due to EU power outages or GPS signal issues—travelers are recommended to carry some cash in PLN or EUR.

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🧳 Tips for Booking & Travel

• Choose based on route & comfort: Shorter daytime crossing? Go for Świnoujście–Ystad. Prefer overnight cabin comfort? Choose Gdańsk–Nynäshamn.
• Book in advance: Especially in summer, cabins and vehicle slots fill up fast.
• Allow extra time for terminal delays: Particularly at Świnoujście during ongoing road works.
• Carry backup payment: Keep small PLN/EUR notes onboard in case of card system outages.
• Keep up with PolSca updates: Routes and service details may evolve—check the operator’s site regularly.

🌊 Final Word

As P&Oferries steps into a new era under PolSca Baltic Ferries, travelers and freight operators alike can look forward to smoother routes, coordinated services, and enhanced consistency. Whether you’re driving north to Sweden, shipping goods across the Baltic, or simply looking for a scenic sea journey, P&Oferries remains a dependable, quality-conscious option.