Second ‘Superstar’ RoPax launched in China
The RoPax ferry Finncanopus was recently launched in China (Source: Finnlines)
Finnlines’ second Superstar-class cargo-passenger vessel, Finncanopus, has been launched at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, Weihai. The first vessel in the class, Finnsirius, was launched last August.
The RoPax vessels, due to enter service later this year, will have capacity for 1,100 passengers and 5,200 lane metres of rolling fright. Part of Finnlines’ EUR 500 million investment programme, the ships will operate on the route between Finland, the Åland Islands and Sweden, calling at the ports of Naantali, Långnäs and Kappellskär.
They incorporate a range of energy-saving features including air lubrication to reduce hull resistance, battery banks to generate extra power at sea, and reduction gears to improve propulsion efficiency. Shore power will provide energy during port calls and environmentally friendly oils will be used in thrusters, fin stabilisers and cargo access equipment.
“Regular and reliable freight traffic in the Baltic Sea is the backbone of the region’s economies and national security of supply,” remarked Tom Pippingsköld, president and CEO of Finnlines. “The maritime bridge between Finland and Sweden is one of the three connections in Finland important to trade and industry. Around 90% of the Finnish and Swedish exports and imports are carried seaways. Our service has been very important for our customers. Increasing cargo and passenger capacity and improving passenger comfort on the route will strengthen the service.”
