Finnlines’ second Superstar-class hybrid freight-passenger vessel Finncanopus joined her sister vessel Finnsirius on the route between mainland Finland, Åland and Sweden on 16 February 2024. One year later, the two new vessels stand as an important part of the strategy to provide upgraded services. They are specifically designed for the unique archipelago route and have a capacity of 5,200 lane metres for freight and 1,100 passengers.

Thanks to the introduction of the Finncanopus, in the past 12 months the number of passengers on the Naantali-Långnäs-Kapellskär route has more than doubled. Finnlines’ ‘Superstars’ call at Åland four times a day, with two departures to Sweden and two to mainland Finland. This link is the fastest sea connection between southern Finland and Sweden.

“We’re delighted at the warm welcome that the Finnsirius and the Finncanopus have received from both private travellers and professional drivers,” said Finnlines Line Manager Antonio Raimo. “The Superstar vessels are specially designed for the fast-paced Finland-Sweden traffic. Loading and unloading operations are slick, which helps minimise turnaround times. With our new ships, we’ve entered the hybrid era, offering our customers more efficient and sustainable sea transport services.”

“The Finnsirius and the Finncanopus represent a new generation of vessels in the Finnlines fleet,” added Marco Palmu, Head of Passenger Services. “Onboard services have become more diverse with a variety of restaurants, a stylish spa, a yoga studio and a tax-free shop. What’s more, we offer day trips, also known as picnic cruises, providing a refreshing escape from everyday life, surrounded by stunning archipelago views.” And that’s not all: “The Superstar ships also have state-of-the-art meeting facilities for an efficient kick-off or management meeting. A meeting at sea is a perfect alternative to a meeting ashore.”

Sustainable travel

Efficient goods transport enables sustainable passenger travel as the carbon footprint per person remains low when carriage of freight and passengers is combined. Finnlines’ ro-pax concept ensures a high utilisation rate even during seasonal fluctuations.

The Superstar-class Finncanopus and Finnsirius are equipped with many energy-saving technologies. Thanks to high-powered battery units, use of the main engines can be reduced. Air lubrication under the keel reduces resistance and saves fuel. Onshore power connection permits zero emissions at berth. An automatic ship mooring system speeds up docking and undocking, and reduces emissions in port. Even though vessel capacity has increased significantly, the absolute CO₂ emissions per nautical mile between Finland and Sweden are 22% lower compared with the previous vessels on the route.

The delivery of the two ‘Superstars’ marked the completion of Finnlines’ 500 million euro Green Investment Program, which also included three freight vessels that entered service in 2022.