Finnlines has officially commenced the construction of the first vessel in the new Hansa Superstar series at CMI Weihai Shipyard in China. The vessel is expected to enter service in the summer of 2028 and will be the first of a total of three new methanol-powered ropax vessels.
The start of construction was marked by a traditional steel-cutting ceremony, where representatives from Finnlines inaugurated the automated production line at the shipyard.
The new vessels have been developed for traffic between Finland and Germany and are designed to combine high transport capacity with improved comfort and modern environmental technology.
– Our continued investments show our commitment to modern vessels with the best available environmental technology for the Baltic Sea traffic, says Thomas Doepel, CEO and Group CEO of Finnlines.
The vessels will be powered by methanol and equipped with several energy-efficient solutions, including an air lubrication system, waste heat recovery, battery systems, and shore power. The goal is to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions compared to today's vessels on the route.
The approximately 240-metre-long ships will have capacity for 5,100 lane metres of cargo and up to 1,000 passengers. On board, 321 passenger cabins will be built, along with several restaurants, a spa area, shops, and lounge areas.
Finnlines is particularly highlighting its investment in the passenger experience, with new cabin categories, greater comfort, and a panoramic bar on deck 12 offering views over the Baltic Sea.
– The vessels have been developed to meet both the industry's transport needs and passengers' expectations of a modern and comfortable journey, says Marco Palmu, Passenger Services Director at Finnlines.
The investment in the three new Hansa Superstar vessels amounts to approximately 500 million euros in total. The second and third sister vessels are planned to commence construction in 2027.
Technical specifications
- Length / width 243.6 m / 33.8 m
- Gross tonnage (GT): around 69,000
- Last metre: 5 100 metres
- Passengers 1 000
- Passenger cabins 321, 72 crew cabins
- Fart 22.1 knots
- Classroom 1A Super
- Delivery: spring 2028, service to commence in summer 2028
Technology and environmental solutions
- Methanol-powered dual-fuel engines
- Optimised hull shape and propulsion
- Air lubrication system
- Waste heat recovery
- Heat pumps
- Landström (5 MW)
- 2 MWh battery system
- The first of three ships in the Hansa Superstar series
- Sister ship: construction of the second vessel is planned to start in spring 2027 and the third in autumn 2027
- The investment programme is worth €500 million
