A year ago, the Grimaldi attracted a great deal of attention with a series of newbuilds worth billions. Now construction has started on the first Finnlines ship to be deployed in Germany.
The “first” of the so-called Hansa Superstar class is being built in China at the CMI Weihai Shipyard – the shipyard is part of the China Merchants Group. Construction began with a traditional steel cutting ceremony, during which Captain Juhana Nuru and Petri Leino, Technical Superintendent of the Finnlines shipping company, commissioned the automated plate line.
It is the first of three RoPax ships in the Hansa Superstar class that Finnlines’ parent company Grimaldi ordered last year. It is due to enter service in summer 2028 and will sail between Germany and Finland using a methanol propulsion system. The Italians had ordered a total of nine ships for various subsidiaries at a cost of more than €1 billion.
The ships of the Hansa Superstar class will sail under the Finnish flag and are specially designed for the long sea route between Finland and Germany. “Fossil-free methanol, an optimized hull design, air lubrication, heat recovery, heat pumps, battery systems and shore power connection significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions compared to the ships currently deployed on this route,” the shipping company has now announced. With a length of 240 m, they have a loading capacity of 5,100 linear meters and space for 1,000 passengers.
“With the new Superstar class, Finnlines has introduced the most innovative concept in the RoPax sector and is setting new standards in Baltic transport. Continuous investments in our fleet underline our commitment to bring the most modern vessels to the Baltic Sea trade, equipped with the best environmental technology available,” says Thomas Doepel, President and CEO Finnlines.
The vessels have reportedly been developed to meet the growing transportation demand from industry and trade as well as passenger expectations. A stable and reliable maritime connection between Finland and mainland Europe is essential for security of supply and the smooth functioning of supply chains. “At the same time, we are committed to offering passengers a continuously higher quality and more comfortable travel experience,” says Marco Palmu, Head of Passenger Services Finnlines.
Technical data
- Length / width: 243.6 m / 33.8 m
- Gross tonnage: approx. 69,000
- Loading meters: 5,100 m
- Passengers: 1,000
- Passenger cabins: 321, 72 crew cabins
- Speed: 22.1 kn
- Ice class: 1A Super
- Delivery: Spring 2028, entry into service in summer
- Dual-fuel engines powered by methanol
- Optimized hull shape and drive system
- Air lubrication
- Waste heat recovery
- Heat pumps
- Shore power (5 MW)
- 2 MWh battery system
