After just over two years of construction, the company took hold of Finnsirius, the first 235.6 by 33.3 m ferry in a series of two.
The 1 A Super ice class ro-pax, offering room for 1,100 passengers and 5,200 lane metres for cargo, will start plying across the Naantali-Långnäs-Kapellskär crossing this September.
Her sister ship, Finncanopus, is expected for delivery before year-end.
The two feature several emission-reduction technologies: air lubrication, battery systems, scrubbers, and waste heat recovery. They will also take advantage of the automooring technology and draw power from onshore power supply facilities. Finnsirius and Finncanopus are also equipped with ballast water treatment systems.
"Finnlines' Green Newbuilding Programme [€500m in total] has been a massive investment which will benefit our freight customers and private passengers. These hybrid ro-pax vessels are not only the largest in the company fleet so far, but they transport cargo in a more sustainable manner. For example, the vessels have been equipped with enormous high-powered battery banks and onshore power supply in order to have zero emissions while at port. In addition, port operations will also be more efficient with auto-mooring," highlighted Tom Pippingsköld, President & CEO of Finnlines.
He furthered, "Smooth freight traffic in the Baltic Sea is the backbone of the region's economies and national security of supply. For example, around 90% of both Finnish and Swedish exports and imports are carried along shipping routes. Finnlines combines cargo with passenger traffic in this Naantali-Långnäs-Kapellskär route, and therefore our investment will strengthen services to our freight customers as well as to our passengers."
Antonio Raimo, Line Manager at Finnlines, added, "Finnlines is proud to introduce the first Superstar, and Finnsirius will be Finnlines' flagship in both size and technology. As the Superstar ro-pax vessels enter the traffic, we will further increase economies of scale to support new business development and opportunities for our freight customers. In addition, we will be able to offer upgraded services for passengers, including several themed restaurants, a wide range of cabin categories, meeting rooms, a large shop, and lounges, to name a few."
Photo: Finnlines