Helsinki-headquartered Finnlines has announced the delivery of its first hybrid Ro-Pax vessel, Finnsirius.
The vessel, which was delivered at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai, China, on 18 July, will join Finnlines’ Finland–Sweden (Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär) line. Traffic is scheduled to start in September.
The vessel features several emissions reduction solutions, including a shore power connection, exhaust gas abatement technology, waste heat recovery, battery pack, air lubrication and auto-mooring.
Finnsirius is the first in a two-vessel series which is part of a broader, €500 million newbuilding programme comprising Ro-Pax and Ro-Ro vessels, all equipped with sustainable solutions.
Three new hybrid Ro-Ro vessels started operating in summer 2022. Commenting, 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.’
The second Ro-Pax vessel in the series, Finncanopus, was launched last December and expected to enter traffic later this year.
