Finnlines — 2023-12-12
Members Corner
The combined freight and passenger vessel Finncanopus was delivered to Finnlines today. To commemorate the delivery, a ceremony with representatives from Finnlines and the shipyard was held on site. 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. Finncanopus is scheduled to begin service in February 2024.
The new ro-pax vessels are part of Finnlines €500 m Green Newbuilding Programme, which has now been completed. The programme comprised two hybrid Ro-Pax and three hybrid Ro-Ro vessels, all equipped with state-of-the-art 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. Finncanopus will join Finnsirius on the route, departing from Naantali in the evening and from Kapellskär in the morning. The three hybrid ro-ro vessels started operating in summer 2022.
“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 Carbon Dioxide 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’ €500m 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.” said Tom Pippingsköld, President and CEO of Finnlines today at the delivery ceremony in Weihai Shipyard, in China.
The two sister vessels are the largest Ro-Pax vessels in the Finnlines fleet. Both have 5,200 lane metres for cargo and both have been certified to carry 1,100 passengers.
“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,” said Juha Ahia, who manages Finnlines’ Newbuilding team.
Finnlines core business is carriage of freight to serve Finnish and European exports and imports, but passenger traffic is also integral in its operational concept. The Åland Islands, like mainland Finland, are fully dependent on maritime bridges. In particular, for residents commuting between Åland and Sweden or Finland, a scheduled liner services is crucial. Moreover, Finnlines’ ships have always space to accommodate passenger vehicles.
“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,” said Antonio Raimo, Line Manager at Finnlines.