Finnlines celebrates the arrival of the Finncanopus
A new chapter in Finnlines’ history has
been written in the last two years with the Green Investment Program, which has
brought the company into the hybrid era. On 14 February this year, the naming
of the ferry operator’s second hybrid ro-pax vessel Finncanopus marked
the completion of this program.
As tradition has it, during a ceremony
held in Naantali (Finland), a bottle of champagne was broken against the
vessel’s bow by her godmother Katariina
Nurmi, the spouse of DB Schenker Cluster Nordics CEO
Petteri Nurmi. While this symbolises a wish for good fortune and fair winds
for the vessel, together with her crew and passengers, the choice of Katariina
Nurmi as the Finncanopus’s godmother was also highly symbolic: it
reflects Finnlines’ commitment to being the stable base of an efficient
logistics network, supporting Finland’s and Europe’s trade performance and
industrial development, and allowing the company itself and its network of
logistics partners to grow stronger together.
On 15 February, before setting off on her
maiden voyage, the Finncanopus made a unique debut in Stockholm, where
she docked at the Stadsgården terminal, in front of the Fotografiska Museum. In
the early afternoon, around 150 members of the Star Club, Finnlines’ customer
loyalty club, were welcomed on board and had an opportunity to tour the ship
and explore her bars and restaurants, spa area, cabins and conference
facilities. A press conference and a shipboard tour were also arranged for the
media. The day concluded with an opening party before the vessel’s departure
for Kapellskär later in the evening. From there, the following morning, the Finncanopus
left on her first voyage to Långnäs and Naantali, joining the Finnsirius
on the Finland–Åland–Sweden route.
Named after the brightest stars in the
night sky, the Superstar class vessels Finnsirius and Finncanopus
have greatly enhanced Finnlines’ transport service offer. Each can carry 1,100
passengers, which is about twice as many as the former ro-pax vessels on the
route. The cargo capacity has also increased, from just over 4,000 lane metres
to 5,200. These vessels also transport cargo more sustainably. For example,
they are equipped with enormous high-power battery banks and have shore power connection
capability in order to have zero emissions while in port.
“Smooth freight traffic in the Baltic
Sea serves as the backbone of the region’s economies and national security of
supply,” explained Finnlines’ President & CEO Tom Pippingsköld.
“Finnlines’ innovative concept combines cargo with passenger traffic, and our
Newbuilding Program will significantly enhance our business model. By
optimising capacity, we aim to increase efficiency and sustainability. This is
also supported by investments in energy efficiency and cutting-edge green
technologies.”
Superstar-class vessels also offer
upgraded services and more travel comfort than the previous generation of
ro-pax vessels. The new ships have many cabin categories, ranging from basic,
compact cabins, to some which can accommodate six, and luxurious suites. As for
dining, passengers can choose from among seven bars and restaurants. There are also
conference rooms and lounge facilities, a large duty-free shop, a spa with gym
and yoga rooms, activities for children and even two outdoor areas for pets.
The magnificent archipelago can be enjoyed through large panoramic windows. In
short, these vessels offer a cruise-level travel experience.
“The
Finncanopus and her sister vessel Finnsirius show our commitment to
providing top-tier sustainable transport services to both our freight customers
and passengers,” said Antonio
Raimo, Line Manager at Finnlines. “Our second hybrid ro-pax
vessel will enable Finnlines to grow even stronger together with our network
partners. What’s more, Finnlines’ schedules are tailored to serve freight and
passengers in all three destinations concerned – namely Naantali (Finland), Långnäs (Åland
Islands) and Kapellskär (Sweden).”
“We expect a continuously strong demand for freight and passenger services, which will be accelerated by the new Superstar ro-pax vessels, which serve a wider market segment and meet our customers’ expectations,” added Head of Finnlines Passenger Services Marco Palmu. In fact, as many as 695,000 people – comprising truck drivers and private passengers – travelled with Finnlines in 2023, a 7% year-on-year increase. Also in 2023, leisure travel grew by over 17%. And it is no coincidence that the greatest growth was achieved precisely on the route between mainland Finland, Åland and Sweden (+49%), followed by the route between Finland and Germany (+11%).
