The launching ceremony for the first of Finnlines two new Superstar Class Ro-Pax ferries, FINNSIRIUS, took place on 30 August. When she enters service next year, FINNSIRIUS will serve the Naantali – Långnäs – Kapellskär route.
The 64,600 GT ferry is not only the largest to be built to date by China Merchants (Jinling) Weihai shipyard, but also the first for a Northern European owner other than Stena. FINNSIRIUS is also the first Diesel-electric hybrid ferry to be built by the shipyard.
Earlier today, the keel was laid for FINNSIRIUS’ sister-ship FINNCANOPUS, which is also expected to be delivered next year. The Knud E Hansen and Deltamarin designed Superstar class ferries will replace the existing star-class ships FINNSWAN and FINNFELLOW on the Kapellskär service.
Bigger and better for the environment
FINNCANOPUS and FINNSIRIUS will offer 5,100 lane metres of freight space (about 300 lorries) and also have capacity for 200 cars and 1,100 passengers. In addition to being hybrid, the ships will also incorporate Silverstream Technologies’ air hull lubrication system, a shore power connection, waste heat recovery, and exhaust gas cleaning scrubbers to further their eco credentials.
Tom Pippingsköld, President and CEO of Finnlines says:
“We are proud to introduce the next generation of ro-pax vessels, which will enter service in 2023. With the latest technologies and sustainable innovations, these large vessels will not only bring economies of scale to our customers, but also a lower environmental footprint. Our drive to continuously improve both operational and financial efficiency ensures that we can continue to invest in our fleet and grow with our customers,”
As well as being larger than the ships they replace, the Superstar class will also have enhanced passenger facilities and a wider selection of cabins. Passengers will have access to restaurants, cafés, lounges, a spa and a gym. A dedicated lounge, sauna and laundry will be available for commercial drivers.
No let up for Weihai shipyard
FINNSIRIUS is the tenth Ro-Pax ferry to be floated out at Weihai since 2018, however, the shipyard still has plenty of work to complete. The new Finnlines vessel joins Stena Line’s STENA EBBA and Brittany Ferries SANTOÑA at the outfitting quays, with STENA EBBA next on the delivery schedule.
Despite challenges, including complete closure of the shipyard during China’s first Covid lockdown, delivery issues due to Covid restrictions and the blocking of the Suez canal, and having to commission equipment via remote link to the manufacturers due to strict entry and exit restrictions, the shipyard has managed to stick to its challenging build schedule. The company has also completed other projects while building its ferries, including constructing a pair of chemical tankers and some overhaul work.
In addition to FINNCANOPUS, the shipyard also has at least three ferries left to build for Stena RoRo – two for Brittany Ferries which will replace BRETAGNE and NORMANDIE and another for Marine Atlantic service. The company also has six dual-fuel car and truck carriers (PCTC’s) to complete for Eastern Pacific Shipping, the final of which is expected to be delivered around the middle of 2025. A further four PCTC’s have been ordered by Gram Car Carriers, with options for four more. In recent days China-Japan International Ferry Co., Ltd. (CHINJIF) also confirmed an order for a Ro-Pax ferry at the shipyard.
Current firm orders at China Merchants Jinling (Weihai)
The following are the known vessels on order at China Merchants Jinling (Wehai) in the rough order of their delivery.
| Name or yard no | Type | Customer | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| STENA EBBA | Ro-Pax | Stena RoRo (Stena Line) | 2022 |
| FINNSIRIUS | Ro-Pax | Grimaldi (Finnlines) | 2023 |
| SANTOÑA | Ro-Pax | Stena RoRo (Brittany Ferries) | 2023 |
| FINNCANOPUS | Ro-Pax | Grimaldi (Finnlines) | 2023 |
| W0300 | PCTC | Eastern Pacific Shipping | 2024 |
| W0301 | PCTC | Eastern Pacific Shipping | 2024 |
| SAINT-MALO | Ro-Pax | Stena RoRo (Brittany Ferries) | 2024 |
| W0302 | PCTC | Eastern Pacific Shipping | 2024 |
| W0279 | Ro-Pax | Stena RoRo (Marine Atlantic) | 2024 |
| W0303 | PCTC | Eastern Pacific Shipping | 2024/5 |
| W0304 | PCTC | Eastern Pacific Shipping | 2025 |
| W0278 | Ro-Pax | Stena RoRo (Brittany Ferries) | 2025 |
| W0305 | PCTC | Eastern Pacific Shipping | 2025 |
| TBC | Ro-Pax | CHINJIF | 2025 |
| Option | PCTC | Gram Car Carriers | 2025 |
| Option | PCTC | Gram Car Carriers | 2026 |
| Option | PCTC | Gram Car Carriers | 2026 |
| Option | PCTC | Gram Car Carriers | 2026 |
