The first of Finnlines' two new cargo and passenger ships, Finnsirius, was delivered to the Chinese shipyard China Merchants Jingling, which built the ship. Finnsirius replaces a Star-class ship and will operate Finnlines' route between Sweden, Åland and Finland starting in September this year.
Freight and passenger shipping company Finnlines is making major investments in its route between Sweden and Finland via Åland by introducing two newly built hybrid ro-pax vessels in the Superstar class in 2023. The route runs between Kapellskär, just outside Stockholm, Långnäs on Åland and Naantali in Finland, and the first of the two vessels will enter service this autumn.
The first ship, Finnsirius, began construction in June 2021 at the Chinese shipyard China Merchants Jinling in Wehai and was delivered to Finnlines on July 18, 2023. The second ship, Finncanopus, is expected to be delivered at the end of 2023. On board each ship, cargo capacity will increase by almost 24 percent compared to the Star-class ships, to 5,200 cargo meters, and passenger capacity will double from today's 554 to 1,100 passengers.
Finnsirius and Finncanopus are part of Finnlines' €500 million green investment program, which, in addition to the two hybrid ro-pax vessels, includes three hybrid ro-ro (cargo vessels), all equipped with modern and sustainable technology. The three new cargo vessels have been in operation since summer 2022.
”Finnlines” green newbuilding program is a massive investment, which benefits both our freight customers and private passengers, now and in the future. These hybrid ro-pax vessels will not only be the largest in Finnlines’ fleet to date, but they will also transport cargo in a more sustainable way. For example, the vessels are equipped with powerful battery banks and shore power connections to enable zero emissions when in port. In addition, port operations will be more efficient with automatic mooring. The smooth freight traffic in the Baltic Sea is the backbone of the region’s economies and security of supply. For example, approximately 90 percent of both Sweden’s and Finland’s exports and imports are transported by keel. Finnlines combines freight with passenger traffic on the Kapellskär-Långnäs-Nådendal route, and therefore our investment will improve our services for both freight customers and passengers,” says Tom Pippingsköld, President and CEO of Finnlines.
”"Finnlines proudly presents the first Superstar ship Finnsirius, which will be our flagship in terms of both size and technology. With the new ropax ships, we will further increase our economies of scale and can support our freight customers and their business development opportunities. In addition, we will be able to offer upgraded services for passengers, including several restaurants, a wide range of cabin categories, meeting rooms, lounges and a large shop," saysAntonio Raimo, Line Manager, Finnlines.
Facts about Finnsirius
Vessel type: Ro-pax
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-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 the press release.
