In a press release, Finnlines confirmed that the vessel will start operating on the Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route in September 2023.
The second vessel, Finncanopus, is expected to be delivered by the end of 2023. The two ships are the largest ro-pax vessels in the Finnlines fleet.
The cargo capacity will increase by nearly 24 per cent to 5,200 lane metres and passenger capacity will double from today’s 554 to 1,100.
Commenting on the news, Tom Pippingsköld, President and CEO of Finnlines, said:
“Finnlines’ Green Newbuilding Programme has been a massive investment which will benefit our freight customers and private passengers. These hybrid ro-pax vessels are not only the largest in the company fleet so far, but they transport cargo in a more sustainable manner. For example, the vessels have been equipped with enormous high-powered battery banks and onshore power supply in order to have zero emissions while at port. In addition, port operations will also be more efficient with auto-mooring.”
Tom Pippingsköld added:
“Smooth freight traffic in the Baltic Sea is the backbone of the region’s economies and national security of supply. For example, around 90 per cent of both Finnish and Swedish exports and imports are carried along shipping routes. Finnlines combines cargo with passenger traffic in this Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route, and therefore our investment will strengthen services to our freight customers as well as to our passengers.”