Finnlines received Finncanopus, the second of two ro-pax vessels in the company's Superstar class, at the Chinese shipyard China Merchants Jinling in Weihai, on 12 December 2023. The vessel will operate on Finnlines' route between Sweden and Finland (Kapellskär-Långnäs-Nådendal). Finncanopus is scheduled to enter service in February 2024.
The combined cargo and passenger ship Finncanopus was delivered to Finnlines today. To celebrate the handover, a ceremony was held on site with representatives from Finnlines and the shipyard. The return journey is expected to take six to seven weeks as Finncanopus will be almost fully loaded with cargo and will call at several ports before reaching the Baltic Sea. Finncanopus is scheduled to commence service between Sweden and Finland in February 2024.
The new ropax vessels are part of Finnlines’ EUR 500 million green investment programme, which has now been completed. The newbuilding programme included two hybrid freight and passenger vessels and three hybrid cargo vessels, all equipped with modern and sustainable technology. The first ropax vessel in the company’s Superstar class, Finnsirius, was delivered to Finnlines in July and she commenced service on the Kapellskär-Långnäs-Nådendal route in September 2023. Finncanopus will join Finnsirius on the route, with departures from Kapellskär in the morning and from Naantali in the evening. The three cargo vessels were commissioned in the summer of 2022.
”Finnlines has made significant investments in sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies and positioned itself competitively. Our investment programs are in line with the Grimaldi Group’s strategy to improve operational efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The new vessels support our customers in their and our shared transition to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Finnlines continues its green transformation and does its best to meet customer needs in the most sustainable way. Finnlines” EUR 500 million green investment program, which was initiated in 2018, is now complete. The program clearly demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the environment, to our customers and to our other stakeholders,” said Tom Pippingsköld, Finnline's CEO, during today's delivery ceremony in Weihai, China.
The two sister ships Finnsirius and Finncanopus are the largest ro-pax vessels in Finnlines' fleet. Both have 5,200 cargo meters and are certified to accommodate 1,100 passengers.
”Last year, Finnlines introduced its new hybrid cargo ships, and our new Superstar class ships further advance this transition to hybrid ships. This strategic step enables us to deliver more efficient and sustainable maritime transport. Our extensive investment strengthens our position in providing first-class services to our customers,” said Juha Ahia, who leads Finnlines' team for newbuilding projects.
Finnlines' core business is the transport of goods for Finnish, Swedish and European exports and imports, but passenger traffic is also an integral part of its operational concept. Åland, like the Finnish mainland, is completely dependent on shipping bridges. For those commuting between Åland and Sweden or Finland, regular scheduled services are of particular importance. Finnlines' ships also always have room for passenger vehicles.
”Finnlines is the market leader on this route and our new Superstar class vessels represent a completely new standard for transport across the Baltic Sea, both for freight and passenger traffic. Finnsirius has been warmly welcomed by both private travellers and professional drivers who appreciate the improved services. When Finncanopus is put into service, the current smaller ropax vessel will be transferred to our route between Sweden and Germany. This way we can improve our services on another important sea connection,” said Antonio Raimo, Finnlines line manager.
Facts about Finncanopus
Ship type: Cargo and passenger ship / ro-pax
Ice class: 1 A Super
Total length: 235.0 m
Maximum width (moulded breadth): 33.3 m
Gross tonnage (GT): 65,692
Load meters: 5,200
Optimum speed: 16 / 20.5 knots
Engine power: 4 x 7,200 kW
Flag: Finland
Maximum number of passengers: 1,100
Number of passenger cabins: 323
Route: Sweden–Finland (Kapellskär-Långnäs-Nådendal)
Emission-reducing technology
Air lubrication – an innovative system that uses air bubbles to reduce friction between the ship's hull and the water, and thus fuel consumption
Battery installations
Reduced exhaust emissions
Shore power connection
Automatic mooring
Waste heat recovery system
Ballast water purification system
According to Press Release.
