en.Wedoany.com Reported - Finnlines Plc has officially commenced the construction of three methanol-fueled "Hansa Superstar" class RoPax vessels at China's CMI Weihai Shipyard, marking a €500 million (approximately US$585 million) investment plan for its Finland to Germany route.
The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in spring 2028 and will enter service in the summer of the same year. Construction of the second and third vessels will begin in spring 2027 and autumn 2027, respectively. Flying the Finnish flag, these ships are specifically designed for the long-distance route between Finland and Germany. Each vessel measures 243.6 meters in length and 33.8 meters in width, with a gross tonnage of approximately 69,000. They offer 5,100 lane meters of cargo capacity and can accommodate 1,000 passengers, featuring 321 passenger cabins and 72 crew cabins.
In terms of propulsion, the vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel engines capable of running on methanol, feature optimized hull lines and propulsion systems, and integrate air lubrication, waste heat recovery, heat pumps, a 5 MW shore power system, and a 2 MWh battery system. The design speed is 22.1 knots, with an ice class of 1A Super. The series also features redesigned cabin categories, including suites, family rooms, comfort class, premium class, and standard class, as well as pet-friendly and low-cost options. Onboard facilities include restaurants, bars, a spa and sauna area, shops, a children's play area, and a panoramic bar on Deck 12.
Finnlines President and CEO Thomas Doepel stated that the company's Superstar class vessels previously deployed on the Naantali–Kapellskär route have already set the benchmark for Baltic RoPax transport, and the new series will elevate this concept to an even higher level. Marco Palmu, Head of Passenger Services, noted that the Hansa Superstar class vessels are designed to meet the growing transport demands of industry and trade, as well as passenger expectations.
Finnlines Plc is a Finnish public limited company providing freight and passenger shipping services in the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Bay of Biscay, and is part of the Grimaldi Group. CMI Weihai Shipyard is a Chinese shipyard under the China Merchants Group; RINA serves as the international classification society, certification, and engineering organization.
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