Construction of the first Hansa Superstar class vessel commences

15 May marked the official commencement of construction of Finnlines’ new Hansa Superstar class vessels at the CMI Weihai Shipyard in China, part of the China Merchants Group, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding enterprises. Work on the first new build began with a traditional steel-cutting ceremony where Captain Juhana Nuru and Technical Superintendent Petri Leino initiated the automated panel line.

The vessel is the first of three Hansa Superstar class ro-pax ships ordered by the Grimaldi Group company, representing a total investment of €500 million. She is scheduled to enter service in summer 2028.

The dual-fuel ro-pax vessel, featuring methanol-capable engines, will strengthen Finnlines’ capability to provide low-emission freight and passenger transport services in the coming years. In fact, the Hansa Superstar class combines large transport capacity, innovative design and a high level of passenger comfort in a way that supports environmental sustainability.

These state-of-the-art ships will sail under the Finnish flag and are specifically designed for the long route between Finland and Germany. Fossil-free methanol, optimized hull form and propulsion, air lubrication, waste heat recovery, heat pumps, battery banks and shore power will reduce carbon dioxide emissions considerably compared to vessels currently operating on the route.

With length of about 240 metres, the new ships offer 5,100 lane metres of cargo capacity. They can also accommodate up to 1,000 passengers, with a total of 321 cabins.

The Hansa Superstar class introduces new cabin categories and a wide range of dining options tailored to the needs of different passenger groups. The design has been driven by a strong focus on comfort and an enhanced overall travel experience, particularly on longer crossings.

Completely redesigned cabin categories offer many possibilities to suit different needs and budgets, including suites, family cabins as well as comfort, deluxe and standard staterooms. Several categories also offer pet-friendly cabins and more affordable options for budget-conscious travellers.

Onboard services include a wide selection of restaurants and bars, such as a buffet restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, a grill restaurant, a café, several lounge and bar areas and a seasonal pop-up terrace on the promenade deck. In addition, passengers will have access to a versatile spa and sauna area, a shop and play areas designed for children of different ages. One of the most striking new features is the forward-facing bar on deck 12, offering exceptional views during Baltic Sea crossings.

“With its new Superstar class vessels operating on the Naantali–Kapellskär route, Finnlines introduced the most innovative concept in the ro‑pax sector and set a new benchmark for ro‑pax traffic in the Baltic Sea,” said President & CEO Thomas Doepel. “We’re now taking this concept to the next level by commencing the construction of an even more versatile series of ships. Continuous investments in our fleet demonstrate our commitment to bringing to Baltic Sea traffic the most modern tonnage, equipped with the best available environmental technology.”

“The Hansa Superstar class vessels are designed to meet the growing transport needs of industry and trade as well as the expectations of passengers. A strong and reliable maritime link between Finland and mainland Europe is a vital element of security of supply and the smooth functioning of supply chains, while at the same time we aim to offer passengers an increasingly high-quality and comfortable travel experience,” added Finnlines Head of Passenger Services Marco Palmu.

The first tour of the full-scale mock-up cabins and cabin corridors was also organized in conjunction with the steel-cutting ceremony.

The ceremony marked another milestone in Finnlines’ 20-year development program, which includes the acquisition and construction of a total of 20 new vessels. More specifically, the three Hansa Superstar class ships are due to enter service in 2028 and 2029.