Finnlines has started construction of the first of three methanol-fuelled Hansa Superstar-class ro-pax vessels at CMI Weihai Shipyard in China, opening a EUR 500m ($585m) investment programme for its Finland-Germany service, according to Finnlines Plc.
The first vessel is due for delivery in spring 2028 and entry into service in summer 2028. Construction of the second ship is scheduled to start in spring 2027 and the third in autumn 2027.
The Finnish-flagged vessels are designed for the long sea route between Finland and Germany. Each ship will be 243.6 metres long and 33.8 metres wide, with gross tonnage of about 69,000, 5,100 lane metres of cargo capacity, room for 1,000 passengers, 321 passenger cabins and 72 crew cabins.
The vessels will have methanol-fuelled dual-fuel engines, an optimised hullform and propulsion, air lubrication, waste heat recovery, heat pumps, 5 MW shore power and a 2 MWh battery system. They will have a speed of 22.1 knots and ice class 1A Super.
Finnlines said the class will introduce redesigned cabin categories, including suites, family cabins, comfort, deluxe and standard cabins, as well as pet-friendly and lower-cost options.
Onboard facilities will include restaurants, bars, spa and sauna areas, a shop, children’s play areas and a forward-facing bar on deck 12.
“With its new Superstar class vessels operating on the Naantali-Kapellskär route, Finnlines introduced the most innovative concept in the ro-pax sector and set a new benchmark for ro-pax traffic in the Baltic Sea. We are now taking this concept to the next level by commencing the construction of an even more versatile series of vessels,” Finnlines president and chief executive Thomas Doepel said.
“The Hansa Superstar class vessels have been designed to meet the growing transport needs of industry and trade as well as the expectations of passengers,” said Marco Palmu, head of passenger services at Finnlines.
Finnlines Plc is a Finnish public limited company providing freight and passenger shipping services in the Baltic Sea, North Sea and Bay of Biscay. It is part of the Grimaldi Group.
CMI Weihai Shipyard is a shipbuilding yard in China and part of China Merchants Group. RINA is an international classification, certification and engineering organisation.
