Finnlines adds two new Ropax vessels between Sweden and
Finnlines will make major investments in its route between Sweden and the mainland via Åland in 2023 as the freight and passenger shipping line continues to recover from the pandemic slowdown.
The company announced on Tuesday that it is introducing two new Superstar cargo passenger vessels as part of general plans to increase passenger comfort on the Kapellskär–Långnäs–Nådendal route, with the first ro-pax vessel set to begin service on the route in autumn 2023 .
The new vessels Finnsirius and Finncanopus are part of Finnline’s EUR 500 million investment program, which includes both ro-pax and ro-ro vessels. Each of them will have a capacity of 1,100 passengers, which is about double the number of the existing ro-pax vessels on the route. The cargo capacity will also increase, from roughly 4,000 film meters to 5,200 film meters.
Antonio Raimo, line manager at Finnlines, said: “Our service between Sweden and Finland has been very popular with customers. Increased cargo and passenger capacity and improved passenger comfort on the route will strengthen the service and strengthen Finnlines as the leading provider of maritime services between the two countries. Once the Superstar ro-pax vessels enter service, we will further increase economies of scale to support new business development and opportunities for our customers.”
Finnlines, which is scheduled to publish its January-September 2022 results in November, said its preliminary passenger traffic figures show the company has recovered well from the pandemic, with passenger volumes expected to rise to record levels.
“We expect continued strong demand in both freight and passenger services, which will be accelerated by the new Superstar ro-pax vessels serving a wider market segment and significantly better meeting our customers’ demand. Our aim is to always offer the necessary capacity with optimal schedules, says Raimo.
Finnlines has two daily departures from both ports and the journey time from Kapellskär to Naantan is only 8-9 hours.
Marco Palmu, Head of Passenger Services at Finnlines, said: “The new generation of Superstar ro-pax vessels will combine modern travel comfort with the premium freight services that Finnlines is known for. We intend to offer the most comfortable and easiest way to travel by sea between Sweden , Åland and mainland Finland. The unique archipelago of the Baltic Sea is present throughout the travel experience and our passengers will be able to take in the maritime atmosphere with all their senses.”
According to Finnlines, the new ships will have high-quality restaurants, a sauna and spa area, business and lounge facilities, extensive shopping areas and a host of other services. The scenic views of the archipelago have been central to the design of the ships, which also feature stylish interiors by leading interior design studio dSign Vertti Kivi, specializing in atmospheric design.
Green values are emphasized not only in the technical construction of the vessels, but also in the interior where recycled and ecological material choices are considered throughout the design process. Intelligent LED lighting management and smart air control system save energy by automatically adjusting lighting and air conditioning in the cabins. Low energy consumption is also taken into account in the equipment and furniture choices, for example by using furniture made from recycled materials. Printed products, such as menus, travel programs and price lists, will be replaced by digital self-service screens and smartphone apps. This will minimize paper waste.
The new ro-pax ships are part of Finnline’s 500 million euro newbuilding program which has increased capacity and upgraded the existing fleet.
Finnline’s President and CEO Tom Pippingsköld said: “Smooth freight traffic in the Baltic Sea is the backbone of the region’s economies and national security of supply. For example, around 90 percent of both Finnish and Swedish exports and imports take place along the shipping lanes. Finnline’s concept is to combine cargo with passenger traffic and our New Building Program will further strengthen our business model. By optimizing the use of our capacity, we increase the utilization rate and make our ships more efficient and sustainable, This is also supported by investments in energy efficiency and other state-of-the-art green technologies.”