Photo credit: Finnlines Plc. The signing ceremony of “Finncanopus” delivery in China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai.
The Helsinki based and Baltic Sea operating ferry and roro shipping company Finnlines Plc, being a part of the Grimaldi Group, has yesterday taken delivery of the second Superstar-series freight-passenger (ro-pax) vessel “Finncanopus” at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai, China.
The combined freight and passenger vessel “Finncanopus” was delivered to Finnlines after a ceremony with representatives from Finnlines and the shipyard.
Finnlines says that the homeward voyage is expected to take 6–7 weeks as “Finncanopus” will be nearly fully loaded with freight and will call several ports before entering the Baltic Sea.
The “Finncanopus” is scheduled to begin service in February 2024 as the vessel will enter Finnlines’ line between Finland and Sweden (Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär).
The new ro-pax vessel is the second of two newbuild ro-pax vessels and is part of Finnlines EUR 500-million Green Newbuilding Programme, which has now been completed.
The programme comprised two hybrid ro-pax and three hybrid ro-ro vessels, all equipped with eco-friendly technology.
The first Superstar ro-pax vessel “Finnsirius”, was delivered to Finnlines in July and she entered the Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route in September 2023.
The two sister vessels are the largest ro-pax vessels in the Finnlines fleet, with both having 5,200 lane metres for cargo and both have been certified to carry 1,100 passengers. The three hybrid ro-ro vessels started operating in summer 2022, as the company informs.
Tom Pippingsköld, president and CEO of Finnlines, said at the delivery ceremony in Weihai Shipyard, China that “Finnlines has made substantial investments in sustainable and eco-friendly technologies, positioning itself competitively. Our investment programmes align with the Grimaldi Group’s strategy aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and to reduce CO2 emissions.
“The new vessels support customers in their transition towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. Therefore, Finnlines continues its green transition and thus makes its best efforts to serve its customers in the most sustainable way. Finnlines’ EUR 500-million Green Newbuilding Investment Programme, which started in 2018, is now completed. This programme clearly demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the environment, to our customers, and to our other stakeholders.”
Juha Ahia, manager of Finnlines’ Newbuilding team, pointed out that “Finnlines entered the hybrid era last year with the introduction of our new hybrid ro-ro vessels, and these Superstar class vessels are further advancing this transition. This strategic move enables us to deliver not only more efficient but also more sustainable sea transport services. Our substantial investment reinforces our position in providing top-tier services for our customers.”
Antonio Raimo, line manager at Finnlines, noted that “Finnlines is the market leader on this route and our new Superstar vessels represent a completely new standard for ro-pax transport in the Baltic Sea, both for freight and passenger traffic. “Finnsirius” has been warmly welcomed by private passengers and professional drivers also appreciate upgraded services. When “Finncanopus” enters traffic, the current smaller ro-pax vessel will be transferred to our route between Sweden and Germany. This way we can improve our services on another important maritime connection.”
