First New Generation Finnlines Ferry Launched, Keel Laid for Second

By: Steven Tarbox
Date:
Last updated:
FINNSIRIUS is guided towards the outfitting quay at China Merchants Jinling (Weihai). Image: Finnlines
FINNSIRIUS is guided towards the outfitting quay at China Merchants Jinling (Weihai). Image: Finnlines

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.  

Finnlines' new next generation Ro-Pax FINNSIRIUS is floated out at Weihai. Image: Finnlines.
Finnlines’ new next generation Ro-Pax FINNSIRIUS is floated out at Weihai. Image: Finnlines.

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.

Keel laying for FINNCANOPUS took place on 1 September 2022.  Image: Finnlines.
Keel laying for FINNCANOPUS took place on 1 September 2022. Image: Finnlines.

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.

Finnlines' new next generation Ro-Pax FINNSIRIUS floats for the first time at CMJL Weihai.  Image: Finnlines.
Finnlines’ new next generation Ro-Pax FINNSIRIUS floats for the first time at CMJL Weihai. Image: Finnlines.

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.

Finnlines FINNSIRIUS in the building dock ahead of her float out. Image: Finnlines.
Finnlines FINNSIRIUS in the building dock ahead of her float out. Image: Finnlines.

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.  

STENA ESTELLE in the Karlskrona (Blekinge) archipelago. Image Stena Line
China Merchants Jinling (Weihai)’s most recent delivery, STENA ESTELLE, in the Karlskrona (Blekinge) archipelago. Image Stena Line

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.

Finnlines' new next generation Ro-Pax FINNSIRIUS is floated out at Weihai.  Image: Finnlines.
Finnlines’ new next generation Ro-Pax FINNSIRIUS is floated out at Weihai. Image: Finnlines.

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.

A rendering of Brittany Ferries LNG-Hybrid E-Flexer ferries. Image: Brittany Ferries.
A rendering of Brittany Ferries LNG-Hybrid E-Flexer ferries. Image: Brittany Ferries.

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 noTypeCustomerDelivery
STENA EBBARo-PaxStena RoRo
(Stena Line)
2022
FINNSIRIUSRo-PaxGrimaldi
(Finnlines)
2023
SANTOÑARo-PaxStena RoRo
(Brittany Ferries)
2023
FINNCANOPUSRo-PaxGrimaldi
(Finnlines)
2023
W0300PCTCEastern Pacific Shipping2024
W0301PCTCEastern Pacific Shipping2024
SAINT-MALORo-PaxStena RoRo
(Brittany Ferries)
2024
W0302PCTCEastern Pacific Shipping2024
W0279Ro-PaxStena RoRo
(Marine Atlantic)
2024
W0303PCTCEastern Pacific Shipping2024/5
W0304PCTCEastern Pacific Shipping2025
W0278Ro-PaxStena RoRo
(Brittany Ferries)
2025
W0305PCTCEastern Pacific Shipping2025
TBCRo-PaxCHINJIF2025
OptionPCTCGram Car Carriers2025
OptionPCTCGram Car Carriers2026
OptionPCTCGram Car Carriers2026
OptionPCTCGram Car Carriers2026

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