The first of Finnlines' two new sustainable ro-pax vessels in the Superstar class. The vessel's godmother is Tiina Ahola, who represents the Ahola Group. The naming ceremony celebrated Finnlines and the Ahola Group's long-standing cooperation and commitment to Finland's industry and trade sector, as significant carriers of Finnish exports and imports.
The ro-pax vessel Finnsirius, part of Finnlines' €500 million green newbuilding programme, was christened at a ceremonial ceremony in Naantali on 13 September 2023. In accordance with the tradition of ship christenings, Finnsirius' godmother Tiina Ahola offered a toast and then smashed a champagne bottle against the ship's hull, wishing for happiness, prosperity and favourable winds for the ship, its crew and passengers.
Finnlines has been the largest sea transporter of Finnish imports and exports for over 75 years, and is therefore also a pillar of Finnish industry. The choice of Tiina Ahola as the godmother of Finnsirius marks the long-standing cooperation between Finnlines and the Ahola Group, which together maintain a large part of Finnish trade.
”"Finnlines has long been one of the most important companies and a reliable pillar of Finnish foreign trade, which we celebrated at the christening of Finnsirius today. With our green newbuilding program, we have taken a big step forward and can deliver even more efficient and sustainable solutions for our freight customers and private passengers. We are proud to continue to be the main carrier and secure Finland's imports, exports and security of supply for many years to come," says Tom Pippingsköld, President and CEO of Finnlines.
Finnlines' green newbuilding program includes both ro-pax and ro-ro vessels. Three new hybrid ro-ro vessels were commissioned in the summer of 2022. Finnsirius is the first of two ro-pax vessels in the Superstar class, which are the largest in Finnlines' fleet, with a cargo capacity of 5,200 cargo meters and space for 1,100 passengers. The second vessel, Finncanopus, is expected to be delivered at the end of 2023.
”Finnsirius is Finnlines” new sustainable flagship, designed specifically for the fast-moving freight transport route between Finland and Sweden. At the same time, Finnsirius offers upgraded service and greater travel comfort than the previous generation of ro-pax vessels. Freight is Finnlines’ core business, but it is a real pleasure to introduce our new service concept to our passengers,” says Antonio Raimo, Line Manager, Finnlines.
Finnsirius is now being put into service on Finnlines' route between Finland and Sweden via Åland (Kapellskär-Långnäs-Nådendal). The maiden voyage is scheduled for 15 September 2023. The sister ship Finncanopus is planned to join Finnsirius on the same route next year, while a smaller ro-pax vessel, Finnswan, is being moved to another of Finnlines' routes.
Facts about Finnsirius
Ship type: Ro-pax (roro passenger ship)
Ice class: 1A Super
Total length: 235.6 m
Maximum width (Moulded breadth): 33.3 m
Gross tonnage (GT): 65,692
Deadweight (DWT): 11,980
Load meters: 5,200
Optimum speed: 16.3 / 21.0 knots
Engine power: 4 x 7,200 kW
Flag: Finland
Maximum number of passengers: 1,100
Number of passenger cabins: 323
Route: Sweden-Åland-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 a press release.
