VESSEL REVIEW | Finnsirius – Large Ro-Pax to serve Finnlines’ Finland-Sweden route

Finnish operator Finnlines recently took delivery of the first hybrid-powered Ro-Pax ferry in a series built for the company by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai).

Finnsirius belongs to the Superstar-class, which are the largest Ro-Pax ferries in the Finnlines fleet. The newbuild has a length of 235 metres, a beam of 34 metres, a draught of six metres, and capacity for 1,100 passengers and up to 5,100 lane metres of freight consisting of 200 cars and 300 lorries. The passenger capacity is approximately twice that of existing Ro-Paxes on the Finland-Sweden route while the freight capacity is 1,000 lane metres greater than on Finnlines' earlier vessels.

To help minimise fuel consumption, the ferry relies on an air lubrication system that can create air bubbles along the hull bottom, thus reducing friction and hydrodynamic resistance. Also fitted are shore power connection facilities, a waste heat recovery system, and an auto mooring system to reduce turnaround times in port. While the vessel is at berth, the onshore power supply will provide an alternative source of energy to reduce reliance on the auxiliary engines, hence further reducing emissions and noise.

A high-powered battery bank will be charged in port to enable it to generate enough power for long voyages. Two-speed reduction gears will meanwhile improve propulsion efficiency and save fuel. Finnlines added that environmentally friendly oils will be used in the bow thrusters, the fin stabilisers, and the cargo access equipment.

Passenger amenities include 323 cabins, restaurants, cafes, lounges, conference rooms, a spa, a gym, and duty-free shops. The crew will meanwhile be housed in 64 cabins.

Energy-saving features are available in the form of intelligent LED lighting and a smart air conditioning system. These systems automatically adjust lighting and air conditioning in the passenger cabins.

Work on the interiors was provided by design studio dSign Vertti Kivi.

Finnsirius will enter Finnlines' Naantali-Långnäs-Kapellskär line connecting Finland and Sweden and also encompassing the Åland Islands. Operational sailings on this route are scheduled to commence in September 2023. Sister vessel Finncanopus will be delivered before the end of the year and will enter service on the same route.

The Superstar-class vessels were built to Ice Class 1A Super notation.

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