The first in a series of three brand-new ro-ros has been launched at the Chinese Nanjing Jinling Shipyard and is expected to connect Finland with the Bay of Biscay at the turn of the year.
The 238 m-long and 34 m-wide freighter, to sail under the Finnish flag, will offer 5,800 lane metres of cargo capacity. Additionally, her car decks will have a capacity of 5,800 m2, while the weather deck - room for 520 TEUs.
As such, the company says, Finneco I will be able to take up to 300 trailers, 150 cars, and 500 containers per sailing (about 38% more cargo than Finnlines' current largest ro-ros, the Breeze-class vessels).
The ships - Finneco II and III are to be delivered in 2022 and serve the company's traffic between Finland, Sweden, continental Europe, and the UK - will feature lithium-ion batteries (for zero-emission port visits), solar panels, and an air lubrication system for cutting their carbon footprint. They will also be equipped with scrubbers to sail within the Sulphur Emission Control Areas as well as have the 1A Super ice class to call to north Baltic seaports without icebreaker assistance.
Together with two under construction ro-paxes, the Finneco series forms Finnlines' €500m-big Newbuilding Programme.
"The significant investment programme is in line with our strategy. We are constantly renewing and developing our fleet and the upcoming hybrid ro-ros as well as eco-efficient Superstar ro-paxes are a next step in the evolution of Finnlines' fleet. These new vessels will increase our cargo and passenger capacity significantly. Together with our connections we can meet the needs of our customers better. Our eco-sustainable new vessels will serve our customers, and communities where we operate, long into the future. More than ever, our economies rely on dependable transport links and we are committed to ensure vital sea freight operations in a sustainable way," Emanuele Grimaldi, CEO, Finnlines, highlighted.
Photo: Finnlines