Finnlines presented its two new Superstar-class RoPax vessels at a press conference in Stockholm. The first will be deployed on the Kapellskär–Långnäs–Naantali route in autumn 2023. The new vessels are part of the company's investment program totaling EUR 500 million, which focuses on RoPax and RoRo vessels with the latest cutting-edge technology.
Freight and passenger shipping company Finnlines will invest heavily in its route between Sweden and Finland via Åland in 2023, by deploying two newly built RoPax ferries (freight and passenger ferries) in a class named Superstar on the route. The new vessels were presented by Finnlines' management at a press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Stockholm today, along with the company's plans to increase passenger comfort on the Kapellskär–Långnäs–Naantali route.
The new RoPax vessels are part of Finnlines' EUR 500 million investment program, which includes both RoPax and RoRo vessels, all equipped with cutting-edge sustainability solutions. Three newly built RoRo vessels have already been in service since summer 2022, and the first RoPax vessel will be deployed on the Kapellskär–Långnäs–Naantali route in autumn 2023.
Finnlines' new Superstar-class RoPax ships are named Finnsirius and Finncanopus after the brightest stars in the night sky. They will significantly enhance the passenger experience. Each of the ships can accommodate 1,100 passengers, which is approximately twice as many as the ships operating on the route today. The cargo capacity will also be increased, from just over 4,000 cargo meters today to 5,200 cargo meters.
“Our route between Sweden and Finland is already very popular with our customers. By increasing capacity for both freight and passengers, while improving passenger comfort, we can raise the standard of our services and strengthen Finnlines” position as the most important provider of maritime services between the two countries. When the Superstar ferries are deployed on the route, we create economies of scale and can support our customers’ business development and open up new opportunities for them,” says Antonio Raimo, Line Manager, Finnlines.
“The new generation of Superstar class ships adds modern travel comfort to the top-class freight services that Finnlines is known for. We intend to offer the most comfortable and easiest way to travel by sea between Sweden, Åland and the Finnish mainland. The unique Baltic Sea archipelago is present throughout the journey and our passengers will have the opportunity to experience the sea with all their senses,” says Marco Palmu, Head of Passenger Services, Finnlines.
The new ships will have attractive restaurants, a spa area with a Finnish sauna, comfortable workplaces and lounges, extensive shopping areas and a wide range of services in general. The scenic view of the archipelago has been central to the design of the ships, and the interior will be designed by the leading Finnish interior design studio dSign Vertti Kivi, which specializes in so-called ambience design, that is, decorating environments that are not only beautiful but also evoke feelings of well-being.
According to the press release.
