Finnlines invests heavily in passenger traffic with two new ro-pax vessels

The first of two new cargo-passenger, or ro-pax, vessels will start operating on the Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route in autumn 2023.

Finnlines invests heavily in passenger traffic with two new ro-pax vessels
Photo: Finnlines

The vessels are part of the shipping company's EUR 500 million investment programme, which focuses on state-of-the-art ro-pax and ro-ro vessels.  

The freight and passenger shipping company Finnlines' new Superstar class ro-pax vessels, Finnsirius and Finncanopus, will significantly enhance the company's passenger experience. Both vessels will have a capacity of 1,100 passengers, which is about twice the capacity of existing ro-pax vessels on the route. The cargo capacity will increase from just over 4,000 lane metres in the current vessels to 5,200 lane metres.

Antonio Raimo, Line Manager at Finnlines, says:

"These state-of-the-art vessels will serve a wider market segment and respond substantially better to our customers' needs by providing required capacity at all times, punctual schedules and efficient operations. Superstar ro-paxes will be larger than the existing Star class and they will be Finnlines' flagships both in terms of size and technology."

Marco Palmu, Head of Passenger Services at Finnlines, says:

"The new generation Superstar ro-pax vessels will combine modern travel comfort with the premium freight services for which Finnlines is renowned. We're very excited about this important investment. We intend to offer the most convenient and easiest way to travel by sea between mainland Finland, the Åland Islands and Sweden. Passengers are sure to enjoy travelling aboard our new vessels as the unique Baltic Sea archipelago is present throughout the travel experience: passengers will be able to take in the maritime atmosphere with all their senses." 

The new ro-pax vessels are part of Finnlines' EUR 500 million Newbuilding Programme. The investments of half a billion will not only bring new fleet capacity to the Baltic Sea, but will also develop and improve the company's existing fleet.

Finnlines' President and CEO Tom Pippingsköld in the event held in Vuosaari Harbour on 4 October 2022, says:

"Smooth freight traffic in the Baltic Sea is extremely important for Finland's economy and national security of supply, as 90 per cent of Finland's exports and 80 per cent of its imports are carried along shipping routes. The Newbuilding Programme will further improve Finnlines' capacity and reliability. By modernising onboard technologies, i.e. by investing in energy efficiency and environmental technologies, and by optimising the use of the capacity, we will ensure that both people and goods are transported as sustainably as possible. Our concept combines passenger and cargo traffic. This increases the utilisation rate and makes our vessels more efficient and sustainable."

The programme also includes three new hybrid ro-ro vessels that started operating in summer 2022.