China Merchants Weihai Shipyard has entrusted the Finnish Turku-headquartered ship designers to prepare the complete basic and detail design of the three ferries, due for delivery in 2028-29.
Deltamarin will work on the evolution of the Superstar cruise ferries, plying between Naantali and Kapellskär, adapting Hansa Superstars to the longer crossing between Helsinki and Travemünde. Among others, the newbuilds will feature new cabin categories and provide restaurant options tailored to different passenger preferences, "with a strong focus on the overall onboard experience," the ship designer underscored in a press brief.
Hansa Superstars will also include multi-fuel engines (methanol), optimised hull and propeller designs, shore power connectors, and energy-efficient onboard power management systems for both at-sea and in-port operations, "all contributing to over a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions per transported cargo unit compared to vessels currently operating on the same routes," Deltamarin highlighted.
Each 240-metre cruise ferry will offer 5,100 lane meters of cargo space, capacity for 90 cars, and accommodation for up to 1,100 passengers across 320 cabins.
"Together with Deltamarin, we have developed Superstar-class vessels, setting a completely new standard for freight and passenger traffic in the Baltic Sea. With our new investment programme, we are proud to continue this shared journey. Our longstanding and successful partnership with Deltamarin and China Merchants Weihai Shipyard has been instrumental in driving innovation and strengthening efficient maritime transport," said Juha Ahia, Manager of Newbuilding & Projects at Finnlines.
Janne Uotila, Managing Director of Deltamarin, added, "The signed contract marks the continuation of a longstanding partnership between Deltamarin and Weihai Shipyard. Our partnership has continually delivered reliable, efficient, and environmentally conscious vessels that meet the expectations of both the vessel owner and regulators. This order demonstrates the trust our clients place in our ability to design and deliver state-of-the-art ro-pax vessels. With this latest order, the total number of ro-paxes designed by Deltamarin and built by Weihai Shipyard reaches an impressive 22 ships during the last 10 years."
Ou Shubo, Deputy General Manager at Weihai Shipyard, also commented, "The expertise and support Deltamarin provides have always been invaluable, and we look forward to delivering these next-generation vessels to Finnlines, which will play a key role in their sustainable fleet expansion."
Deltamarin completed the concept and contract design for the Hansa Superstars earlier this year.
Photo: Finnlines