Finnlines Receives First of Two RoPax Vessels

The shipping company Finnlines had two Superstar RoPax vessels built in China. The first ship, the Finnsirius, was launched on August 30, 2022, and the keel laying of the second ship, the Finncanopus, was celebrated on September 1, 2022. The two freight and passenger ships will operate between Finland and Sweden and the Åland Islands in 2023.

(Helsinki) Finnlines has successfully completed the launch of the first Superstar RoPax vessel, Finnsirius, and construction is now continuing. The construction of the second Superstar RoPax vessel is also progressing, and a keel laying ceremony took place at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) to officially mark the beginning of the construction, i.e., the establishment of the hull.

Finnsirius and her sister ship Finncanopus will operate on the Finland-Sweden route, which Finnlines has been serving since 1997. The ports of call are Naantali on the Finnish mainland, Långnäs in the Åland Islands, and Kapellskär in Sweden.

Space for 300 Trucks

The combined freight-passenger ship offers space for around 300 trucks, 200 cars, and 1,100 passengers. The ships are 235 meters long and utilize the latest innovative technologies. “Superstar RoPaxes will be larger than the existing Star class and will be the flagship vessels of Finnlines, both in terms of size and technology, scaling the connection and raising the standard for our customers,” says Antonio Raimo, Line Manager at Finnlines.

Compared to the Star class ships, the loading capacity of the Superstar RoPaxes will increase by 20%. Finnlines has designed the freight handling procedures to be highly efficient for the Finland-Sweden route. With comfortable cabins, large public areas, and enhanced services, the ships offer a new travel experience for passengers. “We provide the most comfortable crossing of the Baltic Sea,” says Raimo.

Low Ecological Footprint

“We are proud to introduce the next generation of RoPax vessels, which will be put into service in 2023. With the latest technologies and sustainable innovations, these large ships will not only bring our customers advantages in size but also a lower ecological footprint. Our commitment to continuously improving both operational and financial efficiency ensures that we can continue to invest in our fleet and grow with our customers,” says Tom Pippingsköld, President and CEO of Finnlines.

Photo: © Finnlines